Today I'm thankful for my friend Don. I have only known Don since April. And last week he passed away. I wish I had, had more time with him, because I had more to learn from him.
When I first met Don he gave me the hardest time about who my college football team was. Honestly, I don't have one (another story for another day). Not only did he give me a hard time, but he asked me some really pointed questions and made some comments that challenged me. At first I didn't like this, but then I realized how much those questions and comments have shaped me in such a short time. One comment Don made, was something like, "preachers always talk about what to do, but don't do it." Ouch! But many times if not most times, he's right. Now when I say something or are developing some kind of theological or ecclesial thought or motivation, I search my own heart first.
Beyond these things, Don was one of the best givers I've known. He gave out of pure joy and out of his heart. I won't even give examples for fear that when we are together in heaven, he would scold me for telling. He did it in secret and never needed approval or congrats for doing it. I saw the Lord in Don. Don wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions in a Bible class or say the thing that everyone was thinking, but no one was going to say.
I love Don very much and I'm going to miss him tons. Selfishly I needed more time and should have taken better advantage of the time we had together. It's not that often you make friends with someone so quickly and deeply.
Don you will be missed.
When I first met Don he gave me the hardest time about who my college football team was. Honestly, I don't have one (another story for another day). Not only did he give me a hard time, but he asked me some really pointed questions and made some comments that challenged me. At first I didn't like this, but then I realized how much those questions and comments have shaped me in such a short time. One comment Don made, was something like, "preachers always talk about what to do, but don't do it." Ouch! But many times if not most times, he's right. Now when I say something or are developing some kind of theological or ecclesial thought or motivation, I search my own heart first.
Beyond these things, Don was one of the best givers I've known. He gave out of pure joy and out of his heart. I won't even give examples for fear that when we are together in heaven, he would scold me for telling. He did it in secret and never needed approval or congrats for doing it. I saw the Lord in Don. Don wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions in a Bible class or say the thing that everyone was thinking, but no one was going to say.
I love Don very much and I'm going to miss him tons. Selfishly I needed more time and should have taken better advantage of the time we had together. It's not that often you make friends with someone so quickly and deeply.
Don you will be missed.
Don was an avid photographer. He took this shot of a bald eagle here in Arkansas out in the wild. (photo via Facebook)
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