Sacramental Living

My friend, Chuck, died Thursday night.

Chuck was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a few short weeks ago.  He went through a succesful surgery, which I sat through with him.  He had been released from the hospital just a few days ago.

Something happened with his heart and the blood thinners he was on.  He just couldn’t make it.

I’m surprised.

You see, Chuck was 71 years old, but as his surgeon told me upon the completion of his operation, “Chuck had the insides of a 30-year old.”  That means he was healthier and in better shape than me!

Chuck worked out a couple hours everyday and rode his bike about 20 miles.  Chuck was our primary drummer for worship gatherings.  I was the backup.  The only reason I was even playing drums at all was because Chuck inspired me to pick up my sticks again after 20 years of not playing.  And my 3-year old, Eliot, loves playing drums because of “Mr. Chuck.”

Chuck inspired me in a lot of ways.  Though on in years, he was open to anything.  Though used to a large-church setting, he loved our little community of faith.  Chuck’s wife has been battling terminal cancer (the “no use going through chemotherapy kind”) for several years.  We all thought Chuck would outlive her.  Chuck cared for her with the meticulous care of a bedside nurse.  He was a hero.  I realized that as I held his wife’s hands and prayed with her over Chuck’s lifeless body.  I heard her say, “You were my angel.”  And he was.

That’s probably why I spent a whole day driving him to Savannah for his operation and staying through it.  That’s probably why I visited him a few days after and stayed for several hours.  That’s probably why I shaved him and helped bathe him while he was in hospital.

He had done so much for his wife, and me, and others … how could I not be a servant for him?

I saw Jesus in Chuck.  And because Jesus is resurrected I not only know that Chuck and I will play drums together again, and Chuck will workout again, and Chuck will ride his bike again … I also know I must serve others the way Chuck served his wife, and me, and …

I must serve here and now, because God’s kingdom has been inaugurated.  I know that because I’ve known Chuck.

For me and my family, a little rhythm has gone away with Chuck’s passing.  It’s a rhythm that we will need to step into.  A rhythm that we should now pick up for Chuck, as we serve others in Jesus’ name … just like Chuck did.

SO TELL ME SOMETHING:
Who is a “Chuck” in your life?

——

Brian Niece
www.brianniece.com
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I wonder what Jesus would be doing today if he were that 12-year old boy who snuck away from his folks to teach the rabbis in the temple about life with the God he called Father.

Today I’m sitting in Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA.  My friend (our 70-year old church drummer), Chuck, is in a 6-hour surgery for prostate cancer.  He has no family in the area.  His wife, Margie, is suffering from terminal cancer and is in Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick.  So I volunteered to bring him and be here during the surgery.

There was a time, when I would be fretting that I’m not getting any “work” done if I sit in a hospital waiting room all day by myself.  There was a time I considered planning, preparing, study, etc. to be the most important work I need to be doing.  That time is over.  Today, I can think of nothing better than sitting in this waiting room, praying for Chuck … and Margie … letting administrative things sort themselves out; praying for others I know; praying for Jesus to let me know him a little better today; possibly meeting others in whom I can see Christ in this waiting room.

Not much “church-building” going on today.  At least church-building in the understood sense.  Probably won’t be much nor any church-building in my plans in future either.  It’s not my job.  Nor is it yours.  Jesus builds, grows, and forms the church.  I’m just part of God’s universal church, trying to keep my family in the Way of Jesus; letting God provide me and my family with opportunities to shepherd, support, listen, care.

Maybe you are like I have been in times past.  Thinking that being in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ means doing “churchy” things, keeping a good attendance at worship, paying attention to church leaders and pastors, trying to be “good” or “righteous.”  I’m convinced these days that being a follower of Jesus and the God whom he called Father is not really related to those things.  It’s about listening for God’s voice, getting to know Jesus, trusting in God’s love for us, keeping your family faithful to the Spirit’s voice, living life with others who are on the same journey.  In this way, worship becomes not a weekend hour or two, but a way to live.

So I’m worshipping today.  As I wait to see Chuck after his long surgery.  As I trust Jesus to be with Chuck, and Margie, and me, and my family, and you.  The trappings, and requirements, and obligations are melting away.  As I turn my eyes on Jesus, I’m seeing only … get this … Jesus!  And like him, I must be about my Holy Father’s work.

SO TELL ME SOMETHING:
How are you worshipping through the way you live this week?

——

Brian Niece
www.brianniece.com
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