How different four days can be. On Friday we had the news that our dear friend Karena Mackay had gone to be with her Saviour, Jesus. We know that she has gone to a better place and that we will see her again in glory, but that still did not take away that immediate feeling of mourning; that churn that happens in your stomach and the tears that follow swiftly afterwards. B and I continued our evening, dwelling on fond memories of our friend.
Contrasting that has been the joy of celebrating Rachel's first birthday. We did this by visiting family on Saturday and then enjoyed swimming and a birthday tea yesterday on her actual birthday. She had a great time and was so excited that she forgot that sleep in the afternoon is a good thing!!!
It's been one of those weekends where we have understood and have carried out to a certain extent that which Paul writes in Romans 12:15:
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
I pray that my daughter will grow to be a mighty woman of God and declare Jesus with as much commitment and love as Karena did during her life. I also pray that she would know that same assurance that Karena knew as she went off to be with Jesus.
These past four days have been about two people who have changed my life, both for very different reasons and for both of them I am truly thankful.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Friends: Old and New
It's so important to have friends.
Today I joined 11 others for breakfast to celebrate the birthday of my good friend Craig. It was a fantastic morning: large quantities of cooked breakfast; cereal; fruit (yes fruit!); pastries; coffee, tea and juice. However more importantly the company was great. I had the privilege of sitting with Roy, a guy older than myself but with such a zest for life that it is always a pleasure to spend time with him. There was plenty of friendly, manly banter around the table none of which was derogatory but was fun. The overall feeling of the morning was that of camaraderie and warmth. I look forward to more mornings like this one.
This afternoon was spent at Windsor race course at James' stag do. Wonderful weather and a very tasty steak sandwich were the highlights of the place. What was interesting was that only a couple of the people that went actually put any bets on once our two free £2 bets had been placed, it seemed that we were more interested in getting to know each other than trying to win money! There were several people that I didn't know, but it wasn't long before conversation was freely flowing. I couldn't tell you what happened with the horses, but I could tell you what some of the guys do for a living and the names of their children. The day culminated with a Chinese meal in Windsor town - once again enjoyed due to the friendships.
I have been left after today reflecting on the fact that friends are so important. People that you enjoy being with and can relax around. Jesus didn't just have disciples he had friends, people he ate with, guys he enjoyed chatting with. Jesus showed us that we cannot live life in isolation, that we need to have people around us whom we love and trust. Today I have seen people I have known for years and would trust with my life. Others I know not so well, but the relationships are growing. Others I may not see again but I really enjoyed their company.
All in all, a very enjoyable day and one I will remember.
Today I joined 11 others for breakfast to celebrate the birthday of my good friend Craig. It was a fantastic morning: large quantities of cooked breakfast; cereal; fruit (yes fruit!); pastries; coffee, tea and juice. However more importantly the company was great. I had the privilege of sitting with Roy, a guy older than myself but with such a zest for life that it is always a pleasure to spend time with him. There was plenty of friendly, manly banter around the table none of which was derogatory but was fun. The overall feeling of the morning was that of camaraderie and warmth. I look forward to more mornings like this one.
This afternoon was spent at Windsor race course at James' stag do. Wonderful weather and a very tasty steak sandwich were the highlights of the place. What was interesting was that only a couple of the people that went actually put any bets on once our two free £2 bets had been placed, it seemed that we were more interested in getting to know each other than trying to win money! There were several people that I didn't know, but it wasn't long before conversation was freely flowing. I couldn't tell you what happened with the horses, but I could tell you what some of the guys do for a living and the names of their children. The day culminated with a Chinese meal in Windsor town - once again enjoyed due to the friendships.
I have been left after today reflecting on the fact that friends are so important. People that you enjoy being with and can relax around. Jesus didn't just have disciples he had friends, people he ate with, guys he enjoyed chatting with. Jesus showed us that we cannot live life in isolation, that we need to have people around us whom we love and trust. Today I have seen people I have known for years and would trust with my life. Others I know not so well, but the relationships are growing. Others I may not see again but I really enjoyed their company.
All in all, a very enjoyable day and one I will remember.
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