I went last night to see a dear sweet friend of mine. She was moved to hospice this week and has only been given days. This tore at my heart. She would be 40 this year and she has a sixteen year old son with special needs. She has an incredible spirit about her....even now.
Psalm 23 came to mind. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I remember memorizing this as a kid and not fully comprehending what it meant. Today, now more than ever, these words provide comfort and peace in a difficult time. It is so difficult to understand why someone is afflicted with such pain and disease while another is not. I have noticed one thing. Those individuals that I have known that have suffered greatly are also consumed with joy that only comes from the Lord. Jenny radiated God's glory and praised His name when she was first diagnosed with cancer. Her faith was strong and she stood as an example for many.
I began this blog around 4am on Saturday morning before leaving for the MS150. It is now Monday evening and my precious friend went to be with Jesus. She truly dwells in the house of the Lord forever. She fought the good fight and finished the race well. I hope when Christ calls me home that I will be able to say the same.
My friend if you are reading this take time tonight to assess your life. Make sure you are living your life on purpose....with a purpose...the purpose that God created you for.
