Heavy Pickle Please

(Photo by A. Fisher Photography)

Last night, after a cumulative nine year battle with two different types of cancer, the Lord called my friend Amy home just shy of her 37th birthday.  Today, along with many others who's lives she touched, I grieve for the loss of my friend.  She has gained so much but she has left behind a loving husband who has already suffered so much and two beautiful daughters who will often lack for a mother's touch as they grow up.  I grieve for the moments she never will have.  I grieve for the hole she has left in our family of friends as well as her natural family.  If I'm being honest, I hate this!!   And yet... I know I have reason for rejoicing because she is no longer suffering, or bloated, or fatigued, or feeling the stress of life on earth.  I know she is now with Sunshine Joy and Josh's mom.  I know too that even greater than these two things, she is in the presence of our Savior.

Lord, as so many begin the grieving process, I ask that you help us to trust your perfect will in this situation.  Help us to rejoice more than we mourn.

To Amy; thank you for the laughs we shared, the encouragement you gave, and for the transparency you always showed me.  You have left a footprint in the sand of my life.  May the years pass quickly until we meet again.  PS - Last night I had a pickle loaded double cheese burger and instantly thought of telling you about it.  Two hours later I learned we'd never be able to have that conversation.  I'd tell you how jealous you should be but I'm sure the "extra pickles" in heaven far outweighs our sandwiches on earth.  Enjoy them my friend!!  I miss you already.

"Homesick"  Mercy Me

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now