Blessed Be The Ties

I have been blessed to know many people that hsve touched me in big or small ways. Some have passed and probably never known the memories I have of them. Lile the neighbor my great grandparents had who gave me stamps to play with one time, I remember when dad said she had died. As for great grandparents I have lost two, and as painful and saddening as that is, I can't help, but see how blessed I am to have known them and have them be apart of my life and to have one still living who I visit and write with. There have been others who I have known through church that have always been there that have gone and I think about. Those we meet impact us.
We also have our living family that surrounds us and goes through the time with us. Family forms a wall of protection around itself and we grieve and work together. Even though the time is sad I can't help but smile, because of the memories I made and the relationships that grew because of the time. This is like  church family.
A few years ago we had something happen to someone in our church whom I cared deeply for. We as a church were sad, but we all came together to help this person we formed that wall of protection and you know what? We acted as a body of unity, everyone did what she or he was talented at and together the tasks that needed to be done got done. This is how God uses his people for good and how he designed us to serve.
Now we must never forget our friends the ones that have climbed over mountains, forged rivers, and walked through a desert for friendship.  Those who have never left your side, the ones you call to cry. I am blessed to have a multiple of childhood friends and it is fun to watch us grow up together, face our giants and work as a team. I also have new friends I have met over time that are just as precious.  Even if you know them only for a year before you have to say goodbye because they move.  Friends are one of my favorite things in the world and a day doesn't go by that I dont talk to at least one of them.
However this year has shown me things can't and won't stay the same. People will grow up, people will graduate,  people will get jobs, people will leave, but people will come back. People will stay in contact and will work at knowing how you are doing.
I have had friends leave over the years,  I have had people change so much I wonder where the went. I remember telling my mom one time. "I miss someone who doesn't exist."
All the people who have touched my life have made my life amazing.  Thank you to all who are in it and hello to all those I am going to meet.