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I’ve been completely exhausted this week after our Youth Rally weekend followed by our week of crazy. I’m not sure what I could have done differently to keep myself from becoming over-tired. There was just a lot going on. My body thanked me this week by coming down with a cold. Boo.
I’ve spent the past couple of days resting, taking baths with Epsom salt and essential oils, and binge watching Netflix. Rest is good.
Then yesterday I heard the sad news that one of my friends died suddenly. She had just recently gotten her life back on track and I loved watching God at work in her. She was sweet and kind and she had my back. I’m going to miss her.
Funny (not funny) how losing someone can put life in perspective. Just a few hours before my friend died, she was chatting with others in her normal, cheerful way. A few moments later, she was gone. Life is delicate. Most of what we think matters – doesn’t really matter. All that really matters is Jesus, love, and relationships. That’s it.
Why Gratituesday on Friday? I guess because I’m a little weary and sad and reflective. And I’m grateful. I’m grateful for life and friendship. I’m grateful that God promises so much more than all we experience in this fleeting life. I’m grateful for rest. I’m grateful for reminders to keep the important pieces of life important. I’m grateful for tears. I’m grateful for people coming together as we mourn our loss.
It might be quiet around here the next few days. We’ve got a weekend full of basketball, a wedding shower, and then a funeral. <— That sentence right there is a great picture of life on earth, isn’t it? Fun, joy, and sorrow. All of the above, with Jesus in every place.
I love that through everything, there are reasons to be grateful. Hang on to that as you enjoy a blessed weekend!
Very sorry for your loss and very thankful for your words as always well put!
So sorry for the loss of someone close to you. It is good to remind ourselves often that life is precious & often much shorter here on earth than we plan. May we love a little more each day knowing life is brief. May you and all who love your friend feel His Presence close in the coming days.
Our family lost a close family friend three weeks ago very suddenly. I know your pain. She left behind a loving husband and five children. It is good to reflect on the value of others in our lives and to thank God for His redemption of those who go to heaven before us.
I am so sorry for your loss. l will keep you, your family, and your friend’s family in my prayers.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Fun, joy and sorrow. Indeed this is all part of life. Just last Friday we attended a funeral for my uncle. On the way home I was told that my tiny, little, devoted dog had unexpectedly died. She was my constant companion, always by my side, devoted to only me, my snuggle bug. That night our foreign exchange student asked me if I saw the baptism banner that the church put up after the funeral. And then he asked if I knew that a neighbor’s dog had just had puppies. He said, “One light goes out and another one is lit.” Pretty insightful and so true. It’s all part of life. Thanks for your post.
I’m so sorry for your loss. And thank you for sharing – I needed that reminder. I wish I did a better job of keeping the eternal perspective always in front of me; this is a fresh reminder to keep focused on Jesus and relationships, as you said.
Sending prayers for you and your friends family as they deal with their grief
So sorry to hear you lost a close friend…..
I just watched the funeral of Judge Scalia……he was 79 yrs. old….still working as a Supreme Court Judge…..and he dies……didn’t even get to retire and enjoy his life with his wife and 9 kids and 38 grandkids,,,,,,it is just so sad………
My heart just goes out to his wife and her kids and grandkids…….
That’s why I say retire when you get old enough…..you never know how many days you have left…..and why work till you die ?
So sorry to hear of your loss. what a wonderful reflection on your friend’s life and the cycle of life. Thanks for sharing and know that you have lots of friends/readers who appreciate you and will be praying.
Hey Laura!
I’ve been reading your blog for like 9 years, but I almost never comment. Not sure why that is! Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for a timely post. Sometimes it’s easy to forget to be grateful when times are tough, and this post was a real blessing and a reminder to say thanks, no matter what you’re going through!
Sorry for your loss, and I really hope you feel better!
Marissa
Laura, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Praying for comfort for you and a quick recovery from your cold. Take care and feel better soon.
So sorry for the loss of a dear friend. You are right about how these tragedies put life in perspective. Praying for peace and comfort for you and all those involved.
I am sorry for your loss. But I echo your thankfulness for friendship this week. I recently posted a very vulnerable post on the subject, and God used to create some connections I never expected. Even with a friend I thought I had completely lost touch with.
So sorry for the loss of your friend. A sudden loss is especially difficult. My prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless.