A True Friend

There may be a lonely valley, waiting just around the bend.
Many trials will come, before I reach my journey’s end.
But through them I’ll be faithful, as I walk in victory.
Pressing toward to the moment when my father says to me:
Well done my child, your race is over
You have fought the fight, and you’ve kept the faith
Enter in to the joy of the Lord.
Well done my child, you crown is waiting.
Here is your robe of white, your mansion is just inside.
Come in to the city of the light, well done my child…

When I finally see the streets of Gold and the gates of pearl.
I know that I’ll forget my every struggle in this world.
Every pain and heartache will quickly fade away.
In that glorious moment when, I hear my Savior say:
Well done my child, your race is over
You have fought the fight, and you’ve kept the faith
Enter in to the joy of the Lord.
Well done my child, you crown is waiting.
Here is your robe of white, your mansion is just inside.
Come in to the city of the light, well done my child…

This is one of my favorite songs.  My husband sang it several years ago with our church choir.  I caught myself humming it earlier today before I got the news of a special friend who unexpectedly went home to be with Jesus today.  How quickly our life passes!  It seems like yesterday she was watching my husband and I as we took our vows (almost 17 years ago) and was there for the birth of my children. 

It really hurts.  I'm praying hard for her husband and sons, mother, sister and other family and friends who must now learn to let go.

I met my friend as a wide eyed college graduate.   God placed her in my life to be someone to mentor me as I made the leap into a new town, a new job, a new marriage and becoming a new mother.    She was a compassionate person, and she had a servant's heart.  I know today as she stands ready to meet her savior, she will be hearing the words "well done, my child."

Her leaving heightens the realization our lives are but a vapor, and in this great big world, we have such a short window to leave our legacy.  How many times have I said lately, I need to make time for...and have let it pass by?  My friends, there may not be a tomorrow. 

Once again a blog post I wasn't prepared to write, but with such a powerful message:

Don't take things for granted, and don't put things off until tomorrow.  God does not promise any of us another breath. 
Don't let that realization be a scary thing.  For those who have accepted Christ as their personal savior, the promise of heaven eternal is an anticipated gift.
Make every moment count.  Psalm 90:12 NIV says Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Thank you my dear friend for the impact you made on my life, and the lives of others.  I rejoice knowing you had secured a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that I will see you again in eternity.

If you don't have the assurance of salvation, I would be happy to talk with you about how you can be saved. 

God made you with a purpose.  What kind of legacy will you leave? Today is the day to become that person.