Mar. 18, 2008 - Life is Short

"Wow. I never thought that this day would come when my dad would pass away. I just wish that maybe he would have stayed longer, but it was his time to go. You never know what you got until it's gone! I LOVE YOU DAD!"
^^My friend Shelby's words on her my-space. Friday, March 14, 2008, Shelby's father passed away.
Last night as I entered the room, I noticed it was quieter then usual. People weren't smiling. My friend Shelby was crying. Going up to her, I gave her a hug and asked her what is wrong. "It's the worst possible thing that could happen." she said. "This last Friday, my dad passed away.". I was dumbstruck. I really couldn't say anything except... "Oh Shelby." and then give her another hug. Staying by her side, giving her hugs, talking with her, playing games as a group, helped me as well as Shelby to cope with this situation. My heart went out to her. It was almost like I could feel her heart breaking. So we finished our stuff, ate jalapeno poppers, and played a game. Next we went upstairs to do worship and to listen to the message. During worship though, the words really stuck out to me. "Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in LORD, still I will say. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Blessed be your name. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Blessed be your glorious name. You give and take away. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say. LORD blessed be your name." Then I noticed Shelby... sitting by herself... the tears rolling down her face. I went right beside her and wrapped my arms around her as the music played. After our worship and message, we laid hands on Shelby and just prayed for her. Hugs were given, Kind words were spoken, Love was poured out.
This whole experience really made me think. I really didn't think that this would affect me as much as it did, but I could hardly sleep last night. It's really hard to watch one of your good friends hurting like that. But I was able to be there for her. I was able to wrap my arms around her during worship. I was able to pray for her and tell her to hold on to her heavenly father during this time... and also to tell her that I loved her forever and am there for her. Now that this has passed, I can see how God prepared me for this... really getting to know Shelby at snow camp, giving her hugs, developing a good friendship, being there for her, dealing with my own struggles, and helping others who are hurting. I never thought all this would come into play.