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Life

Yesterday, our team of pastors traveled to Oklahoma to attend the funeral of the father-in-law of one of the other pastors.  It was a long trip - about 5 hours each way - and there was plenty of time for idle chatter, story telling, and fellowship.

After attending the funeral, we jumped back in the car and began the trek back home.  Things were quieter for a while as different ones reflected on those they had seen, those they had met, and what we had observed in the service.

I tackled the task of driving and found myself, for extended periods of time, in complete quietness, watching the road before me and pondering what we had experienced in the service we had attended.

The man's name was Frank.  I did not know him, but I know his daughter.  I did not know him, but I saw his family.  I did not know him, but I heard his words and saw his legacy and his heritage walking before me.  I did not know him, but in a way, I feel like I know him now.

Frank was a humble man, beginning his life as a farmer in Oklahoma. He raised his family of girls there on the farm, working hard and long hours despite suffering from headaches caused by the intense heat and the impairment his crippled hand gave him.  He worked hard until it was time to move so that his daughters could all attend a Christians university and then he switched careers and worked hard for very little and for a very long time.

Frank was not all work, however.  Frank loved to travel.  He and his wife traveled to all 50 states.  They traveled to several parts of the world - sometimes multiple times.  They visited their children and their families, serving The Lord on the mission fields in various areas.  

Frank was a man of the church.  He gave of his time, his resources, and he gave of his family to see the work of the church and of The Lord continued.

Frank was a Godly man.  I did not know him, but I heard of his witness.  

We have all probably heard the old saying, often used at funerals, that what is most important is not the day of your birth of the day of your death.  What is most important is the dash in between: it's what happens in the meantime that counts and that leaves an impact in your world.

Frank left an impact, but you probably didn't know of his death.  Frank left an impact, but you've probably never heard his name.  Frank left an impact, but you probably didn't even know he died.  So, what's more important?  The fact that you didn't know Frank or that Frank's life has probably made an impact on you already?  I mean, you read this, didn't you?


Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. - Col. 3:23-24 (ESV)


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