being in my 20's

and experiencing death of peers doesn't seem to make sense.

back in march a good friend from college passed away in his sleep. it was shocking, like a sucker punch to the gut that might always leave a hint of feeling to remind me it was real. i happened to be driving to chicago later the night i got that news so i had 3 + hours in the car alone to think about it. his wife was an RA with me and i have distinct memories of him, adam, leading campus worship and pouring into peoples lives. i can't picture him without a smile on his face.

saturday, a girl from college passed away in her sleep. we were friends but not close, mostly just had some of the same friends so i kept up on her a bit. i was, however, very familiar with the fact that she was living in Haiti serving where her gifts and passions clearly led her. her myspace quote still says "my heart belongs in Haiti." katie followed Jesus to the ends of the earth and served him with her life, and now she's home with Him.

life is a breath, a vapor. each of these people served God with every breath until their last, and now they are safely home.

this week also marks the third birthday of my friend's son Chase that passed away over 2 years ago. adam & katie & chase get to worship Jesus together this week. that's the best birthday party ever. not in the place we thought was best for them, but at the very best place in all of eternity- the feet of Jesus.

i was reminded of that country song that's been redone and played on Christian stations. it says "when i get where i'm going, there'll be only happy tears..." pray for katie's family, and chase's parents, and adam's wife to rejoice in the bittersweet reality of loss and happy tears.