Coming Around

Life and death. Loss and gain.

The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.

The events of the last week here in Southern Oregon are proving of that statement; my dad got a new job. I got a new job – my first “official”job ever. And my dad has a chance at an even better job as I speak.

But we’ve lost. Oh yes, we’ve lost something that could never be replaced. And all of us – friends, family, distant friends – mourn for the life that we will miss so keenly. Some will miss it more than others. Much, much more.

None of this has taken God by surprise. It is just one more piece to the puzzle, one more step in a part of His plan to bring about His purpose. This doesn’t mean we can’t grieve – grieving is how we are to cope. We cannot be expected to shrug off the loss of a life. Grieving is encouraged –Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” It is how we pick ourselves back up, remembering what we have lost, but pressing onward anyways.

Our lives are but vapors. But let us be the strongest, most powerful vapors out there. We can be strong, through Christ who strengthens us. We can do ALL things through Him, and He is there for us.

And so begins the next chapter in the lives of the wonderful people I have grown to love, cherish, and call friends.

Loss...

Joshua Eddy.

I hardly knew you.

But, I know your sister fairly well. And I’ve talked to your brother more than I’ve talked to you. We joked about a lady with hair that reminded both of us of a poodle. You were talking with your hands one time and accidentally smacked me. You tried it again to see what’d happen and I slapped you right back – on your sunburn. You knew so much about cameras and photography, for which I looked up to you. Even so, I didn’t know you that well.

Then why does this hurt so much?

Because I know your family. Your sister. Your brothers. I know the people who know you. And I know how much they adored you. I know how they respected you and admired you. I know how dedicated your relationship with God is. I know how you seem to pour everything you have into your work.

I know.

Perhaps I don’t know much. Perhaps all I see is a snippet of your life – a snapshot, a photograph of your life taken by some amazing photographer. But it’s the most amazing photo ever, seen through a filter of God’s love, grace and mercy. The lighting is perfect, showing me things that I might never have seen in lesser light. The composition shows me a depth and love that could never be explained with words. There are certain things set up in the frame of your photo that suggest at the little things that I might have overlooked, if not for that second glance.

Josh.

You’ve inspired me. I don’t know how.  Leaning out over water, risking damage to your camera. Just for a good photo. I feel this drive, this need to go out. This need to love, live, give, grow, laugh, smile, and ooze the love of Christ.

Just like you did.

I hope God has a camera tucked away up in Heaven for you. Actually, you probably won’t need it – maybe, up in heaven, you can use words to paint a picture in the minds of others without even needing the photo.

Either way, Joshua Eddy, I know God is watching you. He is watching all of us. If you’re up in Heaven already, can you do me a favor?

Tell my Grandpa I said hi. His name’s Drake Noble.

Thanks – I really appreciate it. I wish I could have gotten to know you better. But instead, I’ll pour my life into the lives of others. Just like you did.

And my camera is going everywhere with me today.

Welcome!

I must admit, seeing as this is the first-ever post to this blog, this is more of a welcome to myself than anything :) This blog is a replacement of my Facebook; I figured the time I spend on Facebook would be better spent posting on a blog!

~Alex