I’ve had the privilege of knowing some really amazing people in my life. One of them, Derek Webster, is moving to Illinois to take a pastorship there. I’m happy for him but sad at the same time.

It seems that in this lifetime, I’m saying goodbye way more than I’d like. Too many friends and family have moved away or moved into new phases of their lives. Some have passed away.

I wish I could say that goodbyes get easier but they don’t. They still suck.

But what makes it easier for me each time is the knowledge is that the best truly is yet to come. This is not my best life now, but each little setback and disappointment and trial that I go through is preparation for a future that I can’t see yet, but one that will be better than I ever imagined.

I’ve learned (or truthfully, I’m still learning) the art of cultivating gratitude and thanksgiving. Learning to count my 1,000 gifts. Seeing life through the lens of how blessed I am instead of focusing on what I don’t currently have.

I still have days when I’m incredibly selfish and immature, days when I have a bad attitude and a quick temper. But thankfully, those days don’t define me anymore. Nor are they the end of my story.

I can see God at work in me, chipping away these rough edges and creating spaces where His colors can shine through. It’s not easy and it’s not always fun, but it’s always worth it.

So thanks, Derek, for being a part of my life and a good friend and a great inspiration. I can’t wait to see what amazing things God has in store for you next.

“But as the Scriptures say,No eye has ever seen and no ear has ever heardand it has never occurred to the human heartAll the things God prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9)