I mentioned a while back that I’d been thinking about seasons in our lives and how God uses us in ministry at different stages of life. I kept meaning to come back to that topic and delve into it thoroughly, but time got away from me.

Today I had to say goodbye to someone very special to me. We’ve known each other for six years, and if I didn’t know her well enough to be able to vouch for her “humanness,” I would tell you that she was an angel sent by God to minister to me all this time. *darn tears – I can’t see the monitor to type!

I’m not trying to say that she’s perfect (thus, the “human” reference) – she’s actually extremely humble and grounded. Her testimony of God’s grace and deliverance is book-worthy. What I mean is that God brought us together at a time in our lives when we both desperately needed a girlfriend close to home – a sister in Christ, a confidante. She has walked alongside and prayed me through the highest highs and the lowest lows.

What’s funny is that every time we get together to talk (albeit, usually too briefly), she always tells me how much I inspire her and what a model I am, blah, blah … she has NO idea – and I lack the words to convey it fully – that she has been all that and so much more to me. Her praise of me just makes me feel all the more humble, because it is I who look up to her.

I’ve had to say bye to friends before, but thankfully, I’m blessed to have a couple with whom I’ve remained close for 20+ years, despite the distances, and I’ve reconnected with a few others on Facebook, etc. This just feels different, somehow, and I can’t explain why. Sure, we can stay in touch online and whatnot, but it’s not the same as being able to have Dr Pepper Hour together.

Having her go away is like having to switch from a plug to battery power. She’s been a ground wire for me, and I am eternally grateful for our season of ministry to each other in this place. I trust that God has tremendous things in store for her precious family. The best part is that prayer knows no distance, so we can still connect in the ways that matter most.