I received news, this week, that a precious friend, and sister in Christ, died unexpectedly. While the news was devastating, the first thought that came to my mind was, “Good for you, Vicki, you‘re home.” Before you think that’s a callous comment, let me tell you about my friend. I first met Vicki and her husband, Dan, at a church supper, for new members, about 15 years ago. She had a razor sharp wit, and I liked her right away. She was only a year older than I, so we shared numerous baby-boomer similarities. But, generational stuff aside, the one mutual passion we shared was our sold-out love for Christ. Vicki and I could talk for hours on end about Jesus, we could never get enough said in the time we had together. Luckily there was always another day.
Vicki had such a heart for children. Never having had any of her own, she mentored, tutored, and flat out loved on kids of all ages. Only a year or so ago, she was accepted as a volunteer in the Operation Christmas Child program, part of Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse ministry, and she threw herself into it wholeheartedly. It was a joy to see her talk about the lives that were being changed, worldwide, through this project. While we each had our own individual giftings, one thing we both desired was to become fully-equipped, spiritually, and to help others achieve the same goal.
In the last 10 or so years of our friendship she had suffered the tragic loss of her beloved father in a truck crash, some serious health issues, and the death of her 2 precious dogs. It was tough on her, and there were days she even questioned God, but through it all she held on tight, and emerged bruised, but victorious. The one topic we came back to, in every get together, was the horrible state of the world. We’d always pray for the Rapture, and Christ’s return for his church. In fact, ironically, we both half-jokingly said we were ready for God to “beam us up” any time. Well, Vicki’s prayer was answered. I will miss her kindred spirit, our long talks and the road trip we planned to make this fall. Part of me would like her back, but I’m filled with joy that she is home, and wrapped up in her Savior’s tender embrace. "Her master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:21. Goodbye for now, Vicki, save me a seat!!
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