Good-byes

It seems like every few month lately I am saying good-bye to another dear friend. I'm not talking about seasonal friends, but the kind of friends that you consider family - some of my closest friends. This is how it has been for the last couple of years or so. I don't think it has been by chance, that these have been the toughest couple of years in Aaron's and my life. God calls us over and over in the Bible, to come to him first during the trials in our lives. He wants us to cling to him for comfort, but often times the first thing we do when sorrow hits, is call our friends to hold us up - physically, spiritually and or emotionally. I know I have been very guilty of this. Sometimes we just need to feel God's love physically from our friends. Sometimes a hug feels like just what we need instead of opening up God's word. For me, one of these people is my friend Nikki. When Aaron and I were grieving, she came to my house and challenged me to listen to God's words, even when that was the last thing I wanted to hear. She is a true picture of Christ to me and a hand to hold when I hurt. She inspires me to be the best version of myself and I'm going to miss her painfully so. She is following, where God is leading and for that I am happy, but for those of us who will be left behind - we are sad. I guess the challenge for myself is that not only do I remember to go to God first, but that I learn how to suffer joyously through this grief in my life. I know that doesn't even seem possible, but I have hope, because if I have learned anything else from Ms. Nikki,it is to hope and my hope is in Jesus!