First day of Junior year, under my belt. As classes go, it was an uneventful day, but, on a spiritual and emotional level it was very jarring, if I can be so bold to use that word.

As I mentioned in my last post, DePauw student Shelby Evans passed away this past summer. Today there was a memorial service held by the University for her and, even though I didn’t know Shelby very well at all, I was deeply touched by the outpouring of support by the amount of people who came to the service, and the kind words that were spoken about her as well.

I didn’t respond emotionally while I was at the service; I felt sad, to be sure, but I just didn’t outwardly react. For some reason, as I left the service, being outside and realizing how much of a treasure just being alive is kind of hit me hard. I could feel the tears slowly falling upon my cheeks as I started walking back to my house, when I was fortunate enough to run into a wonderful friend of mine who could tell I was not in the best shape. In that moment that I ran into her, I think I saw what was referred to on Teen Service Week this year as “God’s thumbprint”. Her concern for my well-being and just being there to pick me up made me feel better, and made me appreciate her friendship even more.

In especially rough times, it’s hard to think that there’s something (or someone) out there that’s watching out for you, or that everything’s “going to be alright” (as I’ve mentioned my mother’s much touted mantra). And yet, somehow, as I see it (and I can respect those that do not), God will provide.

So, as you read this tonight, be thankful for the family, the friends, the people in your life that pick you up when you’re down, or go that extra mile to watch your back, because those are the people that will be there for you, no matter what. And, to be perfectly honest, life wouldn’t be worth living without enjoying the company of the people that care about you.

I leave you with a short verse from the Book of Wisdom, Chapter 3, Verses 1-3, in the memory of Shelby Evans; I hope those of you affected by her passing can find the peace and comfort of God in this time of mourning.

Wisdom, 3 : 1-3
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish,  to be dead; and their passing away was thought to be an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.

-MJH