Today I was hit with the sad news that one of my co-workers and friend passed away. It was less than twelve short months ago that we were sitting down at one of his favorite barbeque restaurants for lunch in Charlotte, North Carolina when he told me the news….
The “C” Word
My friend David had been diagnosed with Cancer. The report from the doctors was that he will probably only have about five to six years of his life left to live. I remember sitting there at that table as he explained to me that it was stage 4 cancer, but he wasn’t afraid.
There was no fear in his voice.
No fear in his eyes.
Instead I was looking into the eyes of a man who was at complete peace. I didn’t understand. I was at a loss. How could anyone be so calm when faced with such a grave reality?
David told me that he wasn’t afraid because his trust was in the Lord. He knew that God was a God of miracles, and that all things are possible to them who believe.
But he also knew that even if he didn’t get his miracle, he knew God was the same yesterday, today and forever. David had placed his complete faith and trust in the Lord for his salvation. He understood that one day, he would die, and then go to be with Him forever.
As I sit here writing this…. I find myself somewhat jealous of my friend. You see life was difficult for David. He was a single dad, who was raising his 18-year-old daughter Donna Carroll. She graduated from High School this year, with plans of starting in the fall at a local community college.
The Fall
But earlier this week David fell in his home and had to go to the hospital. We later found out it was because his organs had stopped functioning the way that they were supposed to, due to the cancer spreading. A few short days after entering the hospital, Donna Carroll was called to the hospital by the doctors to come and say goodbye to her daddy.
Sometimes life throws us a curve ball. These are the things that no one should ever have to deal with. The mysteries of life. Here today and gone tomorrow. Without any notice, David took a turn for the worse, and in a matter of hours he left his physical body and was ushered into eternity.
David was a worshiper. He loved music, especially playing one of his many guitars. Now he will be able to worship the One he loved for eternity. I miss you already my friend. But I know we will see each other again when we meet in Heaven.
Leave Nothing Left To Chance
None of us know what tomorrow may hold. Today is a gift from above. My encouragement to you is to make the most of the day you’ve been given. Leave nothing left to chance. Leave nothing left unsaid.
Don’t put off making that phone call, writing that letter, or making that trip. Tell those around you how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Let them know how much you appreciate them.
No one has ever put on their tombstone… “He was a great employee.” Be the Father or Mother your children need. Be the Husband or Wife that your spouse desires. Make time to Live, Laugh, and Love.
For someday each one of us will be Here Today and Gone Tomorrow.