Through the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Over the last two days, I've have been ridiculously thankful to have the support of amazing friends. I'm not talking about just having people to hang out with. I'm talking about actually having people in my life who care about me and have a vested interest in my life. People who have been with me through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Yesterday, I got some devestating news that a dear friend's father was in a fatal freak accident.
She is pregnant with her first child, and she is days away from her due date. I know what it is like to lose a father, but I have no idea the mix of emotions that go along with something so sudden and unexpected. You can never prepare yourself for those things. Ever. When I got the news, my stomach literally sank. I started immediately praying for peace for her and her family. I can't imagine the hurt and pain she must be feeling during a time in her life that should be filled with such joy.

Through this though, it has made me stop and look at the friends in my own life who have been there for me. One thing I will always remember about losing my own father are the people in my life who helped get me through that time. Friends who called to tell me that they loved me. Friends who sent flowers, plants, and cards. Friends who I hadn't seen or spoken to in months, even years, who showed up unexpectedly at the funeral home. Those people loved me. Through the good. Through the bad. They were there for me, whether they knew how to be or not. It was through their love and support that I was able to get through it. To know that they were there, willing to just sit with me...without talking. Willing to let me talk through things when I was ready. To cry with me. Or just wait. Because while they might not have had the right words to say (because there are none), they were there at a time when I needed them the most. And that's what makes the difference. Just having support. People around you who care. People who love you. Regarless of any circumstances.

Today, as I was arranging to have something sent to the funeral home, I literally had to stop what I was doing and praise God for blessing me with amazing friends. Friends I so often take for granted.

I pray that right now, my friend is reminded that the Lord provides peace with time. I also pray that she is surrounded by people who love her (near and far) who can provide her with the support she needs at this exact moment. I can't fathom dealing with the death of a father and the birth of a first born baby all within days of each other. But I do know one thing for certain, and that is that at the end of the day, the Lord is sovereign.