Goodbye...again

Weather can be so unpredictable and moody. The other day we had a beautiful sunny afternoon and I gladly wore short sleeves while going to some friends' home for lunch. We had a lovely time together, but noticed the weather changing outside. By the time we left their house, it was very windy, cold, and raining. We headed to a restaurant where we met with some other friends and while inside noticed that the rain had transformed into snow. We got home late after a day filled with being with people we have grown to love during these past few years. Life is taking us to a new place and we want to be with our friends just one more time, just a little longer, before having to say good bye.

The next morning I opened the curtains to see a winter wonderland outside. The snow covered landscape against the blue sky was absolutely stunning. Slowly the sun inundated the scenery with its beautiful light. I couldn't help but look outside in wonder, and sat on the floor in front of the big floor to ceiling picture window in my office admiring the beautiful world God had painted during the night. I sat there reading the story of Jesus' last days on this earth. He gave up so much for me. His love for me is so incredible. How can I not love someone who loves me this much?

After breakfast I just had to go outside to capture with my camera the beauty that surrounded me. Birds were happily flying everywhere filling the air with their songs. Their joy was contagious! Because the Texas sun is so warm even when temperatures are cold, the snow was already melting. Large chunks of snow would fall from the trees and the sound of the melting snow hitting the ground from the rooftops reminded me of Alaska in the Spring. How I loved Spring in Alaska.

While walking through the neighborhood snapping shots here and there with my camera, a flood of memories filled my mind. I'm so blessed! Life has taken me to all sorts of different places all over the world and I have met amazing people everywhere. People are incredible! I may be partial, but I believe God has given me the best family and friends ever! I wish we could always be together, but in this world there is such a thing as goodbye and I have had to say goodbye many times. Because I allow myself to love and be loved, goodbyes are very difficult, but to love is always better than to not. All it means is that my group of family and friends is growing and when we all get to Heaven we are going to have the biggest reunion ever!

As I start a new chapter in this book called My Life that God is writing, I'm curious to see what new adventures He's going to put in front of me, what new friends I am going to make, how will we  impact each others' lives, and what new opportunities to serve Him will I have. All I know for sure from this side of the story is that "He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 What a wonderful promise! All I have to do is rest in Him and enjoy the life He's giving me.

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." 

Psalm 91:4