One thing I've always respected about Susan's parents is their willingness to do what they believe God would have them to do. Jim and Arlene sold their business and moved across the country to attend the school I happened to be attending. They did so because they believed God wanted them to be educated for the purpose of ministry.
And then, 22 years ago, they moved to a small town in northern Iowa to pastor a church. It was in that church that I officiated Arlene's funeral a few days ago.
Arlene was always busy doing what needed to be done for the church and that often meant many long hours. But by far the most recurring theme I heard spoken of Arlene was the impact her life had on members of the church and the community.
I was awestruck as one person after the next came to the microphone and described how Arlene had helped with something important, or how she modeled a character quality or how she spent time working on this or that, or how she just loved and cared for the person.
It was truly inspiring. And of course I couldn't help but wonder, "What will be said of me when I'm in the casket?" One thing's for sure, hearing all those stories of individuals whose lives have been changed helped me remember just why Susan and I strive to live as Christians.
I think it goes something like this. God made all of us for the purpose of being conduits of his presence and love - not just to "the world" - but rather to the individual people in the world. That means knowing and being known, loving and being loved, sharing and being shared with - all to reflect God's image into those around us.
Arlene was a great example of that. She'll be so very missed by all that were touched by her life.
Father, thank you for sharing your presence through Arlene and for her faithfulness to your will. May your Kingdom fully come that we may see her again on that glorious Resurrection day.
2 Comments:
Mike - beautiful Tribute. The death of the godly surely causes each of us to reflect on what we are doing with the time that we have....Although I did not know her, it sounds like Arlene's life is a good reminder to us all to walk in Jesus' love and make a difference, everyday.
Thanks, Carole, for your kind thoughts!
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