Nostalgia

Tell me why seeing a picture from three and a half years ago makes me feel so shaky. This life has afforded me so many opportunities to meet incredible people. For a time, God places people in my life (and sometimes I'm placed in their lives -- it's the same thing really) that show me something about Him and then He takes me out of their lives. Tonight I'm thinking about when I lived in Norway 8 years ago and the relationships that felt like they'd grown tree roots in my chest. Saying goodbye was so difficult. I cried for a straight week.... Then there was Oklahoma. At the time I don't think that I fully even grasped what I had there. All around me were people my age that longed to be a part of something sacred and big and that had so much to give and receive. I took everything for granted and left without much of a backward glance. I miss those people. I miss that time in my life.

Maybe the rain pouring down outside has brought these melancholy feelings out. I do know this, God is not finished with the introductions and the opportunities. There will be more amazing people and likely many sad goodbyes. Thank you, Lord for each new person. Help me to reflect You.