On Losing a Close Friend

I am losing one of my best friends—one of those friends with whom you share your most private thoughts, and yet they still care for and love you.

She’s fought tremendous physical battles the last five years, so going home to be with Jesus is, in my head, the best thing that could happen for her. But I wish God had come through in another way—that her life had changed, had turned around physically and in other ways, so that she could enjoy extra years with her children and grandchildren–and with her friends.

She’s held onto her faith when many would have railed against God. I felt like railing myself, but usually dissolved into desperation prayer. You know the kind—crying out for help when faith is hard because of the circumstances.

These are the times we hold onto God. Not understanding but trusting. I know I can’t see the whole picture, but I have confidence in His love and direction. It’s hard, though. I wish I could change things.

BUT… The love I’ve known and the joy I’ve felt from this miraculous God she and I both serve is what she’ll encounter on the other side of this life, as she enters into the Real Life with Christ. And so much more. That gives me peace as each wave of grief passes.

I’m looking forward to seeing you again, my friend, on the other side.