My dear friend from back east is dying of cancer. As I hear from her family of how much she is suffering in these final stages, my heart longs to cry out why must she suffer so? She has been such a godly person, loving Jesus with all her heart. But I realize my ways are not God’s ways and while I may want her to remain here with us for many years to come for selfish reasons, God is calling her home to be with Him and she’ll be dancing with Her Savior soon. I grieve for her family, for her suffering, for the loss she will be in so many lives and yet I am so grateful to have had her as a friend these past 27 years. I’m grateful for the unconditional love she showed me when I felt so unlovable and for pointing me toward Christ so many many times. I’m also thankful for the conversations we were able to have by phone these last few months while she was still lucid, conversations where we were able to tell each other how much our lives had been impacted by the friendship God blessed us with. We’ve been through so much together.

     Why is it tragedy or death serves as such a great reminder to appreciate the people we have in our lives now while we are still with them? Although my family and I may not get to see our friends and loved ones as much as we used to now that we are on the road, we think of the many special people in our lives often and are grateful for the time we have had together. I am so grateful for the friends that have kept in touch with us via email and phone calls. Being on the road has shown us how important people are in our lives. I’m so grateful for the ones who make time for us whenever we are in town, be it meeting for dinner or a quick cup of coffee or making time in their schedule for a play date with their kids and ours. Coming home would not be the same without the warm welcome we get from the people who love us and want to spend time with us.

     God has blessed us so much in so many ways. He truly meets all of our needs, maybe not my wants like with my friend’s illness, because He has a better plan but He definitely meets our needs. The wonderful people we have met in our travels who still connect with us are such an example. I never would have imagined all the inspiring people He would allow us to have fellowship with. I’ve asked God how can I bless the people He is putting in my path today and instead I am the one being blessed. So thank you to all our friends back home, our family back east, and all the many friends and family across the country that we have been privileged to visit with. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Thank you for bieng part of our journey. May you feel God’s Love and Blessing upon you today.

Thank You God for the gift of my friend, Tina, for the light she has been in so many many lives.