One year ago today our family visited the “Happiest Place on Earth” for Judson’s special wish.  Jud wore a “Make-a-Wish” button.

This week we ventured to Disneyland for Jessie’s birthday before our passes expire, the ones we received through Make-A-Wish.  Jessie wore a “Happy Birthday” button.

Two buttons.  Two very different experiences.

It is as if one button represents “death” and the other button represents “life.”

Both children were born into the same family.  Both children, have the same genetic parents.  Both children are sharp, beautiful, vibrant kids.  Yet, one child must endure extreme suffering and die at a very young age, while the other likely will not.  One was predestined to wear the “death” button while the other gets to wear “life.”

I cannot help but wonder how these sorts of things are determined in the grand scheme of the Master’s plan.
 
Why is it that Jud suffered terribly from Krabbe disease but Jessie will not?  Why is it that I was born into a wonderful family in the United States, while another person is born into extreme poverty in Africa and must endure starvation and disease?  Why is it that some children are born into dysfunctional, abusive homes, while others are born into loving, in-tact families?

I don’t understand it!

But one thing I do know…with greater privilege comes greater responsibility; those who have been given much will be held accountable for much more.

I have been given much.  I will be held accountable for much.  I have a grave responsibility in this lifetime.