‘Til next time, Tina

My dear friend Tina is leaving for greener pastures. I can’t blame her, because she’s perfect for the job.

When a friend leaves, one tends to go through a rush of conflicting emotions. Like Blanche Devaraux, I call it magenta. You’re not exactly blue knowing she’s leaving. You’re happy for her but a little green with envy because her career’s on the uprise. You’re a little scared for her new beginning but you’re not exactly yellow. You’re upset with her for leaving but you’re not quite red with anger. There’s no color to describe it, so we use ‘magenta’ because it’s an ugly color and it’s not quite anything.

Ugh! Thanks to Tina, I’m magenta! Oi vey!

Anyway, Tina, dearheart, I wish you happiness, contentment, fulfillment, and joy in your new undertaking. I pray you continue to turn to God for answers to the questions, and encourage you to remain faithful to Him and His direction for you.

This is my parting gift for you, Tina. Lyrics after the jump.

FRIENDS
Michael W. Smith featuring Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Avalon, Michael Tait, Point of Grace, and Mac Powell of Third Day

 

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes He’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
‘Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

 

Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say “never”
‘Cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the Father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends.

 

With the faith and love that God’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show

 

But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
‘Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong