Goodbye’s

Yesterday was a day of goodbye of sorts for me. One of my closest friends took a job at another facility and so, last night we had a fare-ye-well dinner for her. After I left the restaurant, I crossed the old Huguenot Bridge, which was closing for good at 10 p.m. that night. 

I had raced to cross the bridge one last time, and when I looked at my watch as I drove across it was 9:55. It may sound strange but I was a bit sad at the closing of that bridge. It’s brought me safely to and from work for about nine years now. And even though I’m not a Richmond native, I hold sentiment for the old Huguenot Bridge. 

Today, when I go into work my friend will not be there. She’s not only my friend but has been the weekend charge nurse for about five years now. She buys us candy and keeps us laughing to relieve the stress.
She was truly my best friend at work.

This afternoon holds new beginnings for me after a night of goodbye’s. On my way into work today, I will cross the new Huguenot Bridge and work for the first weekend in five years without my friend. It never ceases to amaze me how God closes one door to open another, and even though the goodbye is painful, we know there is something exciting on the other side of that door.

Perhaps there are doors opening and closing in your life; to that I say, walk bravely through the open doors. Knowing, God has something wonderful on the inside of that new door. Trust Him that He does not make mistakes but leads us safely on the path He’s prepared just for us. Walk on and take God’s speed my friend, God’s speed!

Savannah J

What Are You Thankful For?

This morning as I was leaving work, I ran into a former co-worker. I could see that she was upset about something so, I asked her how she was doing and she replied, “Not Good.” As it turns out her mother was a patient in one of our Intensive Care Units. She went on to tell me how she had to make her mother a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR). I reached out to hug her and she grabbed on to me and wept.

As I walked away, my eyes filled with tears for her and I whispered a prayer. I began to see how once again God was showing me that even when I think, I have problems, I don’t. My little financial challenge is no where near her’s. I have my health, my son is healthy, happy and prosperous. My brother and his family are well and so is my sister. I thought of my older niece and nephew and how blessed they are.

I’ve learned to be content in the state I’m in and to see my blessings; God’s grace and mercy. I’ve learned that He has a purpose and plan for my life and even when I think He doesn’t hear me, He’s working behind the scenes. I’ve learned God is good all the time and all the time He is good.

It was meant for me to see her today because before I left my locker room at work, I sat on the bench for a few minutes. I couldn’t figure out why I was delaying my departure as I had somewhere to be and my goal was to take a short nap  prior to my appointment. Now, looking back, I see God’s plan. My friend needed to know someone cared. She needed a hug and to know someone would be praying her strength in the Lord.

This afternoon as I sit here and look over my life I have so much to be grateful for. Today, you may be facing a challenge; praise Him anyway and as Paul said, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for today?

Savannah J