Rivers and Roads

To be honest, there are a few people I have deemed worthy of the title best friend. One of which I had the pleasure of seeing off to law school this weekend. As I sit here and think about the conversations, fun, laughter (known to some as cackling), deep ponderings, and inside jokes ... I had to do what I have been dreading for weeks. I had to tell a best friend "see ya later," in more common speak "goodbye". This is not a goodbye forever, which is why I refuse to actually say the word goodbye. We are not promised tomorrow, I do not know the next time I will actually see her again; I know that I am planning to see her again. We all have grand plans and are excited to take those next steps in life (furthering education, a big move, job promotion, marriage, kids, etc.). We forget the "see you later"'s we have to say and the Rivers and Roads we put between us as we move on to that next phase of life.

This is not meant to be sad for others, or heck... even myself. I am beginning to recognize more and more the gravity of what Paul says throughout scripture. In one verse he says, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time." (Col. 4:5). The last half of that, "making the best use of the time" ... we are not guaranteed any specific amount of time. The Lord is literally the only One who holds the knowledge of our end. We really do not have many years on this earth. [Yes, my thoughts went this deep as I said "see you later" to a friend who lives Rivers and Roads away]. Since we have such limited time we should not waste any of that time. What am I really doing with the time God has given me?

This is something I want to consider more often with those God has placed in my life. Regardless of their social status or economic status. God has placed each one of us in each others lives for a reason. He has a plan much larger than we can see, think, or imagine. To be honest, that plan involves furthering His kingdom ... not our own.

I may be sad about having to let a best friend be hours away but I know that He has us where He wants us. Sometimes the journey to get there is much more difficult than we would like, but He does it to grow us closer to Him and to one another. He wants us to go to Him in all things (the good... the bad ... and definitely the ugly). He hears all, sees all, and knows all; even before it comes out of our mouths. He is not surprised by anything we do. God is God and I am ooohhh so thankful that I am not. He has extended my heart to yet another part of the world I didn't even imagine (and yes that is within my own state - I am as surprised as anyone else). God has us where He wants us, geographically and all. I am challenging myself and asking God to help me use my time more wisely with those He has put on my path.