Thirty Days of Thankfulness - Take Two - Day 17

Today, I'm thankful for each new day I'm given to share this life with my family and friends. 

I was feeling quite sorry for myself today, and then I found out that a sweet friend of mine from our days in Houston, who was put on life support yesterday and is now in a medically-induced coma, is not expected to make it.

I do not grieve for her, though, because I know where she is going. She knows and loves Jesus. She will be held in the arms of her Savior, and for that, I am very, very thankful. I do, however, grieve for her loved ones. 

I am so heartbroken for her family. I was blessed to teach one of her granddaughters several years ago, and I became friends with her daughter that year. They have a very close-knit family, and I know they are all grieving deeply. 

Thank you, Lord, for my friend, Cheryl, and her life well-lived and for the chance to know her even for a little while. If it is your will that she leave this earth far too soon, it seems, then I humbly ask that you hold her husband, her daughters and sons-in-law, and her grandchildren closer to you than they've ever been held and that you pour out your perfect peace on them these coming days and weeks and months. 

And, I pray that I, too, can have a life well-lived for you. May my daily life be an offering to you.