Life is short.

My heart has been somewhat heavy all weekend. Yesterday morning I heard of the death of Johanna Mae, She was drivng in Sapulpa and was hit has she turned left onto 81st Street and New Sapulpa Road. She was a really kind barista who I saw 3-4 times a week at DoubleShot coffee, where I frequent for work throughout the week and on Friday mornings for coffee club. I danced with here at the Caravan and everytime I saw her, she always had such a sweet smile and so kind. I was really sad she died so suddenly and I know that her boyfriend Garth is hurting too. She was a believer, so it gives me comfort to know she is celebrating with Jesus right now. On Sunday morning, I found out that a good friend's mom I grew up with went home to the Savior this morning. My heart breaks for Dusty and his family. Gabi was always such a kind-hearted person who would always offer hospitality to us growing up. I know she leaves behind a large void in Dallas, and I'm praying for Dusty. She had a cancer that developed very quickly and spread.
These two passings have made me realize this weekend that we never know when our time on this Earth will end. It made me think about what I am doing for the Kingdom, and also to value each relationship fully, because we really will never know if its the last time we will see them. I saw Johanna Friday morning as I was leaving Doubleshot and said hi to her behind the counter. What a crazy thing that she will not be there when I return Monday. These two deaths have made me a bit somber and feeling down this weekend. To juxtapose these sad occurences, I was able to celebrate with Lance, one of Michael's (who I mentor) good friends as he was baptized today, celebrating eternal life that he will now have with the Father. I went to Life Church Broken Arrow Campus to see Lance's baptism. Michael got to help baptize his friend, who he now shepherds in his life group. Lance's family and friends (over 20) came over to my house after service for a meal of pulled pork sandwiches. We were able to celebrate the decision he made that is the MOST important he will ever make! I was so happy to see Lance proclaim his salvation in a public way, and also to see how God is using Michael to further his kingdom. Michael is sold out for the Lord, and I pray he continues to be built up and prayed for as he leads and grows his small group. What an odd weekend. It felt at times empty, sad and other times joyous. Father, let me value this week as if its my last, and depend only upon you. The world will get busy with "life", but you alone are always there for me. Let me treat others like its our last week here- with kindness, humility and generosity.