To my dearest Hayley Midland,
A lot has happened since we last saw each other. I miss you. The excitement of spring isn’t vibrant this year. The slushy snow is creating muddy grass. The sun’s radiance is finally peeking out behind the clouds. It’s warm, but there is a chill in my bones. It’s hard to find joy. The cool breeze is warming, turning the melting snow brown. I wish the birds chirping outside weren’t so distant. I hear them the way I hear your soft, gentle voice in my mind.
My heart longs for our deep talks at Higher Grounds. Your genuineness was evident as you attentively listened to each word. Your gentle voice never spoke out of turn. You’re the depiction of selflessness.
I miss you. There was a way you always took each situation and pointed me to the Lord. Constantly reminding me to seek God first, you directed me to ask how He was teaching me through my struggles. Your words are lasting. Your legacy of love and joy is lingering. I’m shaped by our friendship.
Dreary weather never tainted your happiness. Your joy wasn’t modified by circumstances. Throughout everything life threw at you, you chose to live joyfully in Christ, shunning the lies of the devil.
I want joy. I want the joy you showed that only came from devout surrendering to the Lord each day. I want to love people as you loved people; like Christ, who loved first.
I want to sing praises to the Lord amidst trials. When you were weak, God used your story to move mountains in people’s hearts. When your body was failing, your soul was strengthened. The Lord speaks through you even in your absence.
You are a reason I am so passionate about serving God. I ultimately decided to travel the world, in Christ’s name, because of you. As I devote my mission trip to the Lord, I am reminded of your great life. I am reminded how you considered trials pure joy. I am reminded of your deep, genuine heart that overflowed from your lips.
Because of our friendship, Hayley Midland Filippini, I am driven to deeper love the Lord with my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I will choose joy when trials come my way. I will sing praises to the Lord always, for He is good and faithful. I will relentlessly share the gospel to everyone I meet, whether it be with my words or actions.
I thank the Lord our God who brought us together for such a time He did. You are truly amazing. I will treasure every laugh, every conversation, every memory, and every lesson the Lord has taught me through you. In all my remembrance of you, I smile.
With all my love,
Hannah
