We bid farewell, for now, to another good one this week <3

We lost a dear friend and mentor last week. On Saturday we gathered with a variety of people who we have literally “done life with” as the saying goes. 

Friends gathered from all over the country to come and honor this quiet, gentle and yet powerful leader in our church, community and in his family. 

He was generous, but never with his name attached to his generosity. 

He was a man of integrity and principles whose faith led first in all that he did. 

Numerous mentions were made to his strength but just as many were made to his wonderful laugh. 

His smile was warmth itself. 

He leaves a legacy of showing up, grace in change, kindness and mercy extended with an open hand. He made it a point to be informed about what was going on in the world and his discussions were thoughtful and always grounded in the Word of God.

As we watched the photos roll by on the screen while we waited for the service to begin, we counted ourselves blessed to have been among those who recognized the stories we were a part of along the journey. 

We are given a time to walk this path. 

The ones the Lord places beside us as we make our way are a precious gift. 

How rich we were to have been included to enjoy several decades of the trek with this fine gentleman, his wife and his offspring. 

He will be greatly missed, but the seeds he planted continue to bear fruit along the way for those who are coming behind us. 

It is a stark reminder that our own days have a limit and how important it is to make the most of each of them.

We will look around to those who remain walking along with us in this season and ask God how we can care for them well and plant more seeds for the ones who follow to water <3