Life's Preciousness
I sent out a PDF of our church newsletter to friends yesterday. In response, I heard from the wives of two good friends, both of whom are experiencing ill health. Both have played an important role in my life -- one as a fellow pastor and a mentor, and the other was my TA at Manhattan Christian College.
Eric is in his mid 30s, has a wife and two kids. I've not seen any of them in more than ten years, but news that he has stage 4 cancer broke my heart. Eric wasn't just a TA, he became part of the family.
LLoyd retired a the local Methodist pastor a couple of years back. Before coming to Santa Barbara he had been a District Superintendent, so he had lots of experience and insight. I often went to him for advice, and listened attentively. I'm not sure about the exact nature of his health situation, but apparently he's very weak.
I share these two stories because they effected me so much. We hear stories about illness and death every day, but we usually pass it off. As a pastor I must deal with these kinds of situations, at least occasionally. I've walked with people as they've died, been there to support the spouse as someone died. But for some reason the news of these two good friends affected me deeply.
It reminds us to take life seriously, but also enjoy it, because you don't know what tomorrow brings. I know that both of these friends are people of great faith and will find strength in that faith. They would tell me to not weep, and to keep the faith. I will keep these men in my prayers, but I must admit that I have weeped for my friends today. At the same time, I walk in faith, knowing that God walks with us.
Eric is in his mid 30s, has a wife and two kids. I've not seen any of them in more than ten years, but news that he has stage 4 cancer broke my heart. Eric wasn't just a TA, he became part of the family.
LLoyd retired a the local Methodist pastor a couple of years back. Before coming to Santa Barbara he had been a District Superintendent, so he had lots of experience and insight. I often went to him for advice, and listened attentively. I'm not sure about the exact nature of his health situation, but apparently he's very weak.
I share these two stories because they effected me so much. We hear stories about illness and death every day, but we usually pass it off. As a pastor I must deal with these kinds of situations, at least occasionally. I've walked with people as they've died, been there to support the spouse as someone died. But for some reason the news of these two good friends affected me deeply.
It reminds us to take life seriously, but also enjoy it, because you don't know what tomorrow brings. I know that both of these friends are people of great faith and will find strength in that faith. They would tell me to not weep, and to keep the faith. I will keep these men in my prayers, but I must admit that I have weeped for my friends today. At the same time, I walk in faith, knowing that God walks with us.
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