27 Days

Within a span of 27 days, two young, lively, caring people have departed this world. They never knew one another and were geographically separated by hundreds of miles, but they did have some common characteristics. They were both in their mid-thirties...young. Their deaths were untimely, but health-related. They brought joy to people around them and those who knew them were shocked speechless by the news of their death. Finally, they were both friends of mine and to some degree my life will not be the same without them.

When the first death occurred at the beginning of March, I considered posting then, but I didn't really know what to say. Jack and I were both close to this person and since he went to church with us and we both knew him for a long time, it has been a slow process of recovery as we think of him and his family often and are still in prayer for them. While he did not have a wife or children, he worked with the children at church for years and they loved him, as did many many other people.

My second friend died today. She was a friend from my graduate school days. I have found that my graduate school friendships are very special and unique. We went through a specific kind of experience together and although we don't talk to each other daily-- or sometimes for months-- we make plans to meet each year at our annual conference, look forward to seeing each other, and we always know that, each other will be there if we need one another. She has left behind a precious daughter and husband. My heart aches for them.

I've never understood the fragility of life like I have in the month of March 2010. Do not take your life for granted. It is so important for you to take care of your health, spend time with those you love, focus on what is valuable, and be read to be with God whenever he calls you. Remember, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-15