Our Life’s Far Reaching Impact
I am still reeling from the accidental death of a dear friend over Thanksgiving weekend this year. His giftings were innumerable and he was fearless.
He took over a dozen trips to the middle east in recent years even witnessing to Muslim clerics in mosques! He had a special burden for the Palestinian people especially young adults who were struggling to find hope for their future. He led one to the Savior.
Back on US soil he was a pied piper of sorts ministering to young people who sensed his care. His father’s heart brought deep connection and mentoring to their brokenness and wounds.
During his memorial service three 20-something young men fought tears to share how deeply he had impacted their lives. They talked about their conversations that would last until the early hours of the morning, his prayer support, paid-for dinners at restaurants, motorcycle trips and just hanging out. I was struck by how available he was to serve others and saw the results of his selfless efforts standing before me.
His wife and sons said the same things. His 23-year-old son wrote a tribute to his father, but his emotions were too great to read it so the minister recounted his moving words. I held back tears as I listened to what he wrote. Funny how a small act of seeing his father always open the door for his mother modeled something deep about the character of a man. He was also going to do that for his wife some day.
Who were all these hundreds of people crowding into the sanctuary to hear testimonies to the wonderful legacy of this dear man? Sure I expected family and friends to gather, but so many more came that it revealed the broader impact of his life. I think we often underestimate that fact—how far reaching our life really is. Do we take that implication seriously?
Sadly, my friend will miss his youngest son’s wedding. And the grandchildren yet to be will hear the stories of his life, but will miss the benefit of his presence and influence. His wife will experience these blessings alone.
This brings me back to being fearless. That type of characteristic is an asset, but it must be wielded carefully in our life. There is a fine line between fearlessness and foolishness.
I left the memorial service with a new appreciation for how influential my life really is. There are people depending on me to hold steady in the storm and to lead the way. They experience that up close as a family member or watch from afar. Either way, my life has far more significance than I have understood. It became much clearer today.
Tags: Death, Finish Life Well, Inspiration
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