Saying Goodbye...

(sea of Galilee, taken by greg west)

My oldest son is having an experience that is part of life, but you hope they don't experience when they are so young. A classmate who has had long term health issues went home to be with the Lord today. She was an extraordinary young lady living a very difficult and challenging life. My son only knew her for a little while, but she had an impact on such a small school with close intimate class sizes. He is doing OK with all of it as we have not withheld any information over the past few weeks and he has had some processing time. Some of his friends are really struggling, though. He spent time with one of those friends walking around the field and talking as this friend fought through his emotions. They are only 12 and 13 years old....so young...so vulnerable....so caring... I was reminded of 2 corinthians 4:7-8 earlier today which reads,

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves, we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing."