Inspired by Joy

The most amazing smile. Laugh lines that exploded like fireworks from the corner of her eyes. 

The best part about her smile, was how often she used it. 

Shannon, that's her name and we were not best friends. I will not offend the feelings of those who were by claiming otherwise. We were really only active in each other's lives for one year or so when we both attended a community college prior to transferring to different universities. 

I have talked a lot about the story God has written for us, and the people that intersect that story. Shannon and I had a fairly brief intersection, and this morning, I found out that her life story reached it's end and she is in her glorious epilogue, united with our Savior. 

Here's why I hold on to our life intersection. 

At the time, I was struggling with feeling connected. I was learning how to be outgoing, and she could not have been a more perfect unintentional tutor. 

It's seems cliche to say she never met a stranger, but it's so true. Her explosive smile fell on so many people. She acted like you were best friends in the most sincere way. Her friendship was a gift for that year of my life. 

I learned from her lessons of confidence, of friendliness, of extending love to anyone, of pursuing relationships with God and people. 

I am fighting to process this. My heart hurts for her sweet parents, and her brothers. I know how close they were. I can not fathom having to process this news. But the thing that keeps coming into my mind, is the assurance of Christ. I know that because of Him, His promises, that Shannon is happier than she ever was here, as hard as that is to imagine. 

I know I will get see her again, and pick up our friendship, even better than it was four years ago. 

I know that because of this, I can just be thankful, so thankful, for the intersection of our lives. That I was able to know her. To know her love of life and be inspired by her joy. 

That's it, that's her biggest legacy in my life. 

She left me inspired by joy.