I never was able to imagine eternity

I've never been able to actually imagine eternity. To have a reality of death of our bodies & the life of our souls. I knew where I was going but it just wasn't real. I still don't know anything about what eternity will be like... & thats definitely alright with me. The world is just a dream. But one thing is for sure, the sting of death has been felt & the tiniest glimmer of of the glory of Heaven has been gazed upon.

Death is a tricky thing, yes we mourn because it is a natural thing to do. But after someone passes on it is almost hush hush, like an unspoken fog hanging in the air. I want to talk about it. I want to talk about my friends who have gone to be with Jesus while their earthly bodies die. Reminiscing about them helps to remember them. Remembering them... I don't know, it makes it easier somehow. I don't want to replace sunny memories with a grey picture on a program.

Last weekend I was sitting beside a creek, picking up pebbles & talking to Jesus. I couldn't help but think of a life-long friend with a big smile as soon as I got on the campus of TVR. Caleb lived summers here. I got to hear every amazing detail of all his favorite spots. I finally have gotten to see them. With his long hair, chaco tan, & full of life. Thinking that he laughed, lived, & worshipped here makes me smile (through some tears). Even though I never spent a summer at Teen Valley Ranch with him, I can still feel that he is imprinted on the property & on the people. Caleb has never been forgotten.

Neither has Daniel. The other day I was driving into Boone. It was cold & I needed a little warmth of Jack Johnson to come through my radio speakers. As soon as the melody of a favorite came through, I flashed back to the front porch of the conference center at Cherokee Cove. Afternoon sun beaming on my back & Daniel sitting in front of me. Somehow he could easily pass for an Australian that summer. He was strumming that lazy tune & singing in his scratchy, boy band voice. I honestly don't think I could go ten minutes without laughing when I was with Daniel. Even in class... oops. He would walk in a room & immediately brighten it. His memory has the same effect, it brightens up your mood.

The memory of these two amazing guys, that used to abound in earthy life but now living for real with God absolutely floors me. They had so much in common for both being so unique, but the commonality I want to remember most is how they let the Lord shine through them. Something I wish I could succeed in like they did.

I'm so thankful I knew them, thankful I loved them, & thankful that I'll get to see them soon:)