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Pastor's Blog - 2008/07/12
I met him while volunteering overnight at the homeless shelter once a week. Michael's burly frame would have been intimidating if it hadn’t been for his face that betrayed kindness. He spent his evenings doing crossword puzzles and always enjoyed hearing about my life. Upon invitation he attended my church to hear me preach and later attended a few nights of our evangelistic series. He never asked for anything more than my friendship. Eventually he was able to get a job (helping people) and then an apartment. Interestingly enough, after he had his own home, he volunteered at the same shelter where we had met.
After I had moved away, we kept in contact via e-mail. Anytime I was in town, I knew we had an appointment to go for "coffee" together. He taught me a lot about listening and forgiving. His laugh made my worst stories sound like they should be published.
I received an e-mail a while ago that he had died. I'm not reflecting on the questions that accompany events like this. But I am reminded that my life – and your life – is all about people. I weary of the amount of times I am so self-consumed that I can't lift someone else. I want my life to be about people.
I read an article the other week written by a woman reflecting on reaching out to her neighbor shortly before his death. Her point: Be more intentional on the opportunities to say "hello,” and there will be less regret when we don't get to say "goodbye."
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