Celebrating Life: A Double Tribute

Today my mind has had no rest. Today is David Kim's birthday. For those of you who never knew him, he was a man of Christ. Nearly a year ago, we lost a dear friend too soon. But his life, as short as it was, was rich and full. His journey on this earth ended, but a fresh new life in eternity began. I didn't know DK as well as I would've liked, but I knew him enough to call him a friend and a brother. Birthdays are days to celebrate life, so this is not of mourning but of celebration of a life full of happiness, hope, and Christ.

This was David.

I was debating on continuing this post, but I felt the need to. Today I found out a childhood friend who is my age, has passed away. It came as a brutal shock because in my elementary years we were like bread and butter. Whenever our mom's dropped us off with the teachers during "Mom's Group "I never felt alone with her around. I remember crying on the last day because she wasn't there and I didn't know how I was going to make it through the day. During my middle school years, her father's job moved them to Germany for five years and it was a long five years. We did write back and forth a little, but not much. Then, not long after they returned, it was my turn to move. I left PA after 10 years there and made my way to Cleveland, OH. We both grew up and lost touch, until one family trip back to PA three years ago where I got to reconnect if only brief. We swapped friend requests on facebook, but our communication still lacked. I tried to see her when I was there for a gospel trip two years ago, but plans fell through. Last year I dug out the pieces of a sourdough christmas bell ornament she had made me when we were three. I couldn't let it sit in that condition any longer so I supper-glued it back together and it still looks new. On the back written is permanent marker it says "To: Josh Love: Elise, December 1993." It still proudly hangs in my room. I also say this, it was a bright ray of sunshine to log in to facebook and see her posts. She was one of the few people who rarely (if never) posted negativity, was rarely without a smile, and was a person who knew how to enjoy life. Most importantly, she loved Christ and He loved her even more to the point where He called her home.

This was Elise.

This may continue to hit me like a brick wall for awhile, but I have peace knowing that she's in a better place.

This is why I make time for people, especially ones who I haven't seen in awhile. If any of you fall into the latter category and are reading this, I think about you quite often. To my friends who put up with me whenever I bring up my beliefs, thank you. I do it because that's how much I care about you and want you to share in the joy that I have. If I ever stop asking, then there may be something wrong with me. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. No one. Why waste life on temporary, worldly pleasures when something grander awaits? "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Consider the lives these two lived. Happy. Adventurous. Loving. Full. Christ. Until we meet again. 

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."~Revelation 21:3-4