I got a phone call on Friday to tell me my close friend from university, Joanna, had been killed that morning. A cement mixer lorry reversed into her as she cycled to work.
Such sudden losses are shocking and difficult to comprehend. How can my beautiful, passionate, funny friend, so full of vitality and compassion be here one moment and gone the next?
Jo probably had no idea which day was going to be her last, and neither did we. It’s such a stark reminder that we are not the captain of our own fate, nor the ultimate master of our own destiny. Life is fragile and is held in Someone else’s hands. We simply don’t know what the future holds.
So as I’m remembering Jo this morning, two things strike me about how we might live our moments well.
Be kind…
There are so many small things we can do for others which cost us nothing. If this were my last moment, I would like to have spent it being kind. Seeing as I don’t know which my last moment might be, kindness should probably be the way I choose to live all my moments.
Be encouraging…
Lots of beautiful tributes are going up on Jo’s facebook wall at the moment. And while it is lovely to read them, I truly hope people said those things to her while she was here. It’s so easy to think all the good things and never actually say them. I want to say them while I still have the opportunity.
***
One thing I am glad about is that Jo knew Jesus. She loved Him, and is safe with Him now, enjoying everything and more than she ever dreamed of, knowing, even as she is fully known.
It’s funny that she always knew what she wanted written on her gravestone, so I will leave you with those words. Love you Jo, and see you at home.
“Fought the fight, kept the faith, finished the race.”
Joanna Braithwaite
18 November 1976 – 28 October 2011
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Abby! This post, in all its sadness is perfectly encouraging – live life in constant kindness toward one another, and tell others what they mean to you now.
…and…most especially the words she wanted on her gravestone.
I am so sad Abby. We’re just back from our church weekend where the song of choice ended up being ‘All my days’. There were several of us with tears running down our faces as we sang:
I long to be where the praise is never ending
Yearn to dwell where the glory never fades
Where countless worshippers all share one song
And cries of ‘Worthy’ will honour the lamb
We just wished that Jo wasn’t there right now. I wish I had been in more regular contact with her.
I’m sad too, and share your tears x
I like that you said “see you at home”, as sad as that is…it’s also awesome. And adds just one more thing to the list of awesome things about God. Also, I like what she chose to write on her gravestone.
Abby, you’re fantastic and I love how much you care for people and are able to express it. Know that you are both kind and and encouraging SOOOO often, I love you!
Thanks darlin, I love you too x