I lost an elderly friend yesterday. She was born six weeks after my dad, so I always felt a special connection to her. She was intelligent, kind, and creative. When I learned of her death yesterday morning, of course I was sad, but I also experienced immense relief and gratitude. My friend gifted me with one of her paintings, Summer Sun, a couple of years ago. She painted this one in her 80s, after much of her sight had diminished. My friend had been in pain for many years – physically and emotionally. We’d talked a lot last year about Jesus, and she knew Him well, so my relief and gratitude came from knowing that now she is safe, she is well, and she is now living her very best life. She’s no longer in pain, has no more sorrow or heartache, no more tears. I imagine she’s already painting some masterpieces in Heaven, and that makes me extremely happy. I’ll see her again one day. I’m grateful for the Hope and Blessed Assurance we have as followers of Jesus. My friend’s emotional pa...