Remembering Mike who reminded me to remember the Messiah

So it's been two years since Mike's death. This was a very sad time in Astrid's life because Mike meant so much... still means so much as his character and the love that he had continues to permeate my life. It still hurts and often I find myself crying--b/c I miss him but I'm also thankful for his focus and what he taught me. One of his last messages rings true today in that in all of this--life we live-- we should never forget the Messiah. I am thankful to God and fully give him the glory of his great work in my dear friend Mike. What is remembering the Messiah?
It is simply this- not loosing sight of who he is and why he came? Christ came to save sinners like me- Him crucified on the cross is the reason I live. But more importantly Christ death does something far greater... It glorifies God. Remembering the Messiah forces us to remember what is our end goal--give glory to God who though we do not-- though I do not deserve it.
As I'm re-rereading Desiring God slower than the first two times I'm trying to really absorb Piper's train of thought and the verses he chose to illustrate his point. This is definitely something I would not be doing had I not met Mike. Mike and I had many discussions and I'm pretty sure I was of worry to him often as my sinful character seemed sets in its ways...well I'm still growing but I must give credit where credit is due- God was amazing in his plan-though I am still wishing there were other ways his plan of Mike's death could have turned out-- his plan and purpose outweighs mine. His will is far greater than mine and He is God for goodness sake. God placed in my life for a short yet cherished time a beautiful friend who cared enough to walk with me through tough times and rejoice in good times.
Memorials are always seemingly sad except Christ's. Why is that? When we celebrate Christ's death-- though we are sad we are abundantly more glad and joyful because of the redemption we recieve---
It is harder though for us to rejoice in a fellow brother or sister's death. -- I'll tell you why it has been hard for me. I'm selfish. As a very frail and weak human, I realize my limits. I realize how little things in life can trigger my soul to weep to anger to be frustrated and even be unforgiving. So, it was hard to grasp the concept of having joy in knowing that my brother Mike was now with Christ whom he loved so much. The roadblock in my head kept saying-- but he's not here anymore. Couldn't God have delayed this meeting? Answer was clear- No because he's mine.
So we're all temporal being on earth and in respect to each other...but to God as his children we are always and will always be his....this makes me feel better--actually this is the best feeling- knowing I'm always His.
Sorry to sound somber but I think we have to think and really learn from the experiences God gives us in order to live a life well-pleasing to Him. ...Worthy of the calling with which we are called.-- eph 4:1 Called--our calling-- this continues to be a mystery to me.. i still don't know if I have a calling outside of the obvious -- To preach the word and proclaim Christ- savior, redeemer... Mike's calling was that of a pastor and teacher. In both aspects I truly respected him and learned much about the Lord. This was a great gift and he used it to the fullest of his ability and in his time.
Thanks to Mike I'll see him again.
Praise God--Soli Deo Gloria