Not by accident

Yesterday I received news that a brother in Christ had died suddenly in a drowning accident in Puerto Rico. Rick Velilla went to be with the Lord. He is home now.

My heart instantly hurt for his wife, Marie. I have always affectionately called her Mama V as that was what everyone in the youth group at my church in Columbia called her. Rick and Mama V were a very big part of what made that church experience so amazing and wonderful. To see their love for the Lord, each other, and their children was a true testimony to what God was doing in their lives. Each of their boys are also testimonies to God's faithfulness and their trust in the Lord to give them wisdom as they parent. Obviously you can see I think highly of the family.

Now I saw them frequenly when I lived in Columbia. But since then, I had only seen them last at my wedding in November 2008 as we asked Rick to dj our reception and work the music. It had been over two years since I had seen this sweet couple.

Well not by accident, God arranged a time for me to be able to hang out with both of them over two weeks ago. I had started selling thirtyone and being the amazing woman that she is, Marie wanted to help me out. I was excited for the opportunity to hang out with them. I went early to eat dinner with them and after the party ended up staying two hours just catching up with them. They were so transparent in discussing some of the things they had been going through. But even in the midst of their struggles, their faith was rock solid. It seeped through and was evident as they shared with me.

That evening I left their house feeling love. I had been able to catch up with old friends and fellow believers that I love dearly. We were able catch up on life and rejoice in the good and the bad together.

With Rick's sudden passing, I cannot begin to tell you how much more thankful I am for that night now. The picture above was taken from that night as we laughed. I don't even remember what we laughed about, but I remember laughing a lot with Rick over the years. I remember having deep and solid conversations about the Lord that were challenging with him. I remember laughing really hard and a lot with him as well. That's a rare and special combination to have in a friend, the ability to be challenged, encouraged, and laugh!

Lord I am so thankful that after two years I was able to spend quality time with Rick just weeks before he went to be with you. It was not by accident and I am eternally greatful for it.