Impact!

It's been a while but I think this is good. I hope to be sharing some more thoughts soon.

My phone rang. I knew from the ring that it was Tammy. I had just finished praying and was looking forward to getting back into a routine after a couple of weeks of working two jobs. It was exhausting and I was looking forward to getting back into spending more time doing ministry. Just before I answered the phone I thought to myself “What does she want now?” I don’t want to be on the phone too long. I want to get started. I was not at all expecting or prepared to hear the words that came next. “Paul, I think Michael’s dead”. My heart dropped and all I could say was, “What?!” She described his appearance and I quickly rushed home. The 7-minute drive seemed like 70. Praying in the spirit all the way I raced toward home. I arrived and ran up the stairs. When I saw him I knew she was right. From my experience in surgery I had seen enough people who had passed away. My heart sank and the tears welled up. When I felt his body he still felt warm. As I moved him I thought I heard breathing. With that we called 911 moved him to the floor and Tammy attempted CPR. Moments later the squad arrived. They gave it a try but our worst fears were realized. He was gone. The house was a flurry of activity, people running all around, firemen, police. Friends arrived for support and comfort. There were questions to answer. It was and still is surreal.

In the days that followed I thought several times to myself, this was a life wasted. So much to offer, so much to do, so much potential that will never be fulfilled. It was not until his memorial service later that week that I realized this was NOT a life wasted. As I looked out into the crowd of over 300 people some of who traveled hundreds of miles just to be there, some faces I hadn’t seen in 20 years I was amazed. As we greeted these people, accepted their condolences and heard the stories of how Mike had touched their lives I realized this. This young man, my son, had touched so many lives for the better. Our Mikey had a positive impact on so many lives. As I later read cards and Facebook posts I saw the image of a loving caring and helpful individual. Mike had some struggles late in his life that may have kept him from doing some of the things he loved. But in spite of those struggles he remained polite, warm and friendly. Always ready to extend a hand and see how he could help someone else who needed it. Mike wanted to be a physician. A dream he never realized. Yet throughout his life and I believe even in his death he probably touched more lives for the good than he may have even if he did accomplish that goal.

A life wasted? I don’t think so. Rather it was a life cut short way too soon. Yet I am reminded that this life isn’t all there is. There is eternal life with Christ, which is far better than anything we could realize here. Mike got there sooner than we did. As for us as we await our time we need to live life as Mike did and impact lives in a positive way as God leads us. Then we can live life with no regrets. For it’s not about money or status, but loving God and loving people. Living a life of impact.

What kind of impact will your life bring?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul