A loved one lost

Yesterday, our church family remembered the loss of a dear, sweet brother in Christ, John Estes. He died over the weekend, thankfully in his sleep and at peace. I remember meeting him during my interview weekend last March. He came up to me after I had taught my tryout Bible class. He was highly encouraging and I think we may have even hugged. We for sure started hugging once I started here. He was just so accepting of me--a young man he hardly knew. His daughter told me Sunday night that was always praying for Tracey and I.
I will miss his smile and joyful outlook. This was another reminder to me that death is part of life. It was so strange to stand over his lifeless body in the funeral home and think about the life that used to be in that body. College students, don't insulate yourselves from our older generations and death. Life is lived more fully when our worldview is influenced by death. Who knows when our time will come? We must decide what we will do with the time that is given to us.
Love you all.