Within the last week I have lost 2 friends. One since childhood and one from the last 20 or so years. My mind is a muddle as both were sudden. Both incredibly beautiful souls. How vastly different they were.
My childhood friend has been in my life since grade-school and served our home state of Arkansas proudly as a state trooper for decades. Our conversations of the last years were mainly about guns as he critiqued my range targets and gave me advice on correcting my grip and finger placement. What a solid and admirable man he became from the funny but always supportive friend he was when we were kids. His legacy will inspire many as he was so respected by friends and his peers.
My sweet newer friend I met through my son’s group of friends. She brought such life and beauty to our world. Her art and creative presence gave joy to so many. Such a kind heart. I will miss her advice on jewelry and craft fairs. Her insights into the best way to paint glass and its many steps. This exquisite woman, mother, friend and artist will leave a gaping hole for so many. Her story was cut way too young.
As I am sitting here watching the breathtaking beauty of the radiant sun’s reflection on the water…my heart feels both the surreal happiness and sadness I am experiencing. It is in the reflections of days like these that my own soul searching takes a beat to remember, once again, how very short and precious our days are here. What will be said when we leave this brief sojourn? Did we make a difference in anyone’s life or impact anyone to a degree that it changed their life for the better?
The last few days thankfully have been sunny as I have sat and stared out at God’s majestic beauty quite lost in thought and grief for more loss. One thing I do know, especially when I feel this lost, is God has a plan for each of us. He numbers our days and knows when our purpose here has been fulfilled. I am grateful that I can rest in that fact that He is in the ultimate control of each of our destinies. Whether it’s one more minute or another year or decades to come God loves us, has our best interests at heart and wants to bless us both here and in our eternity.
When someone crosses your mind reach out to them. As I have said so many times in the last years you just don’t know when they will no longer be there. This journey of life is so very brief. Squeeze out every single second of it.
Watching the birds soar over the water I know two beautiful souls took flight this week. We will remember them always and how THEY impacted OUR lives for the better. Mack and Juls forever in our hearts you will be missed. ❤️
Reflections on Life’s Journeys 