"Living to know God, Dying to make Him known." ~Lecrae

Last Friday evening Autumn, Mary Lou, and I shared a table during the annual homemaker's meeting. We ate too much, and giggled our way through the evening. Saturday morning I showed up at The Farmhouse for our monthly Farmer's Wife class. When I had a migraine, Mary Lou helped me carry my things to the car, and sent me on my way with get well wishes. And tonight, I sat in Mary Lou's living room and mourned the loss of her son, Sam.

Sam and Collin were good friends. They took chemistry together, ran cross-country, played basketball, enjoyed the same music, and had very similar personalities. And now, Sam is gone. As a mother I can't begin to imagine losing a child, but even with this loss, I know that God is good. Mary Lou and Jeff know it, too.

Today, despite this heart-breaking loss, there is much to be thankful for. Gifts# 385 -399:

* a life well lived, and worthy of celebrating
* a hard-working young man, who gave his all to everything that he did
* a young man who lived Christ's love out loud
* an affectionate personality that left his mama with no regrets
* good sportsmanship, displayed whether he won or lost
* an encouraging spirit

* a father, deployed in Afghanistan, returned home a few weeks before his son's passing
* time spent homeschooling, which meant more time with the family
* a church gathered 'round to comfort those whom mourn
* women who can clean a house not their own from top to bottom in less than an hour
* food, brought by many
* visitors to share in the memories of a life cut short, each one thankful for how Sam touched them personally

* the witness of a family to the doctors, nurses, and EMT personnel
* the HOPE of the RESURRECTION!
* soothing words, full of wisdom from dear friends, "God doesn't waste a life, or a death!"

Even in the mourning, there is joy to be found!

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:20-21