A reminder....

Yesterday I received a phone call that sobered me to reality...a reminder of how short this life is for all of us and even downright quick for some. A childhood friend and neighbor of mine went missing a few days ago and just recently they found his body. He had been in a car wreck. I haven't spoken to him in years. I used to babysit him and his brother many years ago. He was quite a tough character as I remember him. He was brought to my mind again this year as my parents announced one day to me that they had been attending a new church and I would never guess who they ran into there...Ryan. My mom said she was moved to tears to see the transformation in his life and his love for Jesus. My heart was filled with joy to know that Ryan had found and accepted this love and new life from the Lord. He was part of the worship team even...Knowing him as a teen, I could hardly picture this. It was a reminder to me that God can soften and work in the heart of ANYONE he desires. He really can do the seemingly impossible. So to hear yesterday that Ryan went home to be with the Lord at such a young age... (Mid-twenties) was bittersweet. I praise God for saving him and also mourn that he left at such a young age so shortly after coming to know the Lord. I rejoice to see him again in very different, very joyous circumstances one day not too long off. I trust that God uses all things for good for those who love him. I pray that he uses Ryan's short life to bring Ryan's parents, brother and friends to Himself.