Sacramental Living

This morning began with the much too early news that a good friend of ours in Nashville died from complications with leukemia.  When we moved to Brunswick from Nashville six months ago, Chuck was doing quite well in his battle with cancer.  Such news is always too sudden and you can never emotionally prepare for it.

I sent a few brief words of condolence and prayer to my colleagues in Nashville.  One response told me of something that happened yesterday during our friend’s last moments.  Chuck leaves behind a wife and a young son.  The doctor called them in last night and told them it was a matter of hours.  Chuck’s wife and son spent some time with him and then his wife said to his son, “Say goodbye to Daddy.”  His son said, “Goodbye, Dad,” waved, and walked out of the room.  I know that loving church will embrace his young son and help raise him in a compassionate and faithful way.  Yet, he will have much to process in the years ahead.

When I heard this account, it brought to my memory a similar situation involving my second cousin.  A few years ago his father died from a tragic car accident.  He was just beginning grade school.  Two young boys … too young to experience the death of their fathers.

My heart aches for Chuck’s family and his church family.  My heart still aches for my cousin.

Moments after hearing the account above, I jumped in the car and drove home.  I walked in, picked up my son, Eliot, hugged him tight, kissed his cheek, and said, “Daddy loves you.”  He said, “I love you, Daddy.”  That has been the most important moment of my week.  I can’t quantify it, nor would I want to.  I simply know that on this Valentine’s Day, God taught me more about love.

Related Posts:

• My Friend, Chuck
• The Grace that Goes Before
• My Father’s Work
• Where is God in Brokenness?
• A Little Cheek Turning