Friends Lost

On Friday, Kim and I were out and about and she said she had some anxiety about something, but didn't know what. When we arrived at home, we learned that our friend, Kelli Wood had passed away.

I think of Kelli every year on her birthday, which is on December 4th. I don't know why I always remember this, because I don't really remember anyone else's. But I always think of it, and say a little prayer for her. Well, this year, I thought of her the day before her birthday. The day of her birthday. The day after her birthday... by this time I am feeling suspiscious that something was going on with her and so began to pray. She was brought again to mind the following day. Another prayer. And then nothing. And so, all though I knew something bad was happening in her life, I never suspected the end of it to come so soon. She was 28 years old.

Kelli was a very fun person to be with. Always thoughtful and kind, extremely nice person. You know, the kind of person that makes you want to be a better person yourself. She seemed to always be happy, even when she wasn't and her smile alone would lift your spirits. She was a single mom, and loved her baby very much. She was so very close to her family, and my heart goes out to them. We continue to be in a state of shock over this and are praying for the family, especially her son, Taten. Although he is no longer a baby, and we haven't spoken to the family in many years, they will always remain special to us, a warm, fond memory of times past, a smile from the shadows of a strange time, a comfort to us that life, or rather God, is kind, loving, giving.

For a little while we roam this earth, learning pieces of God's truth, and instead of embracing what we know to be true, we hold on to our own foolish, stubborn and ignorant ways, only to find that what we hold dear is but dust, our efforts are forgotten in the space of time and our righteousness as rags before the one High God. He is our righteousness. Our Savior. Our Creator. Our Protector. Our Father. The One who calls us home to Himself when He desires. Let us run with open arms to Him and the comfort He gives there.

He knows us best, as He is the One who created us and designed us to fulfill His plan on earth. Everyday spent here is ordained by God, and none are taken away too early. Each thing that happens in life, both big and small, are pointing us to the Savior. The all-knowing God desires that we should know Him in all of His glory. And we know this; we know His sacrifice; we see his creation; we marvel at the complexity of our selves alone and wonder what kind of God creates such complicated beings? We experience His mercy in every breath that we take. For who gives life? Only God. And what do we do to earn it? Absolutely nothing. All we can offer to Him is our broken, disfunctional selves, and in return he clothes us in Christ's beauty and righteousness. It is the only way to see God. For we are not holy. We cannot obtain holiness from anywhere or any other than Christ's blood alone.