I've been thinking recently about how loss (at least in this life) is part of life in God's Kingdom. He gives us such sweet friendships, deep love and affection for one another, but he also sends us out into the world. He does not call us to be comfortable in our relationships, but challenges us to pull others into the web of love and joy that we share with one another. It isn't always safe or easy to be part of God's kingdom coming on this earth. Often it is painful. But hope tells us a day is coming where there will be no more partings, no more goodbyes, no more loss.
We experienced loss in an unexpected way today when we found out an old friend was one of the 10 volunteers killed in overseas this week. You've probably heard the story on the news. We had lost touch in recent years, but he was a dear Christian brother and we have a lot of fond memories of him. Many of our VA friends were close to him and are reeling from the loss right now. He knew the risks involved but still chose to go, seeking to bring restoration, healing, and blessing to a very broken part of the world.
On days like today I am especially grateful that a day is coming when there will be no more mourning or sadness or death or pain. We will be together with God forever as part of his family. No more goodbyes. No more death. Only life and joy and beauty. All that is wrong will be made right, and death will be swallowed up by life. I long for that day.
Thinking of and praying especially for our friend's family, and for all who were touched by his life.
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