I remember when Michael Jackson died; people in my office played his music all day.  They all said that it was an ending of an era.  When Dick Clarke died, my mom said it was the ending of an era.  I’m guessing it was like that when Elvis died too.  

 

Today, I learned that Mr. John High has passed away.  I know that many of you will not have a clue who that is, but some of you will.  Some of my earliest memories include Mr. John.  I can remember coming home from school and playing in his backyard with Rachel.  I can still see us trying to lay in that hammock between the two trees.  He was famous for bringing his specialities to the homemade ice cream socials at church.  He used to always sit on the back row at church and work the lights during church services.  He was a master gardener too.  It was not unusual for Mr. John to be seen driving around the community in his old truck, delivering stuff from his garden to all of his neighbors.  It was a sad day when Mr. John uttered the words, “I’m not gonna plant a garden this year.”  One of my more recent memories of him was when I was on staff at the church I’d grown up in, where Mr. John has been a long-time member, and he went forward after a service and re-dedicated his life to the Lord! 

 

So, for me, this is the ending of an era.  And while my heart breaks with Rachel, the rest of her family, all of our community at the loss of our friend, Mr. John– I am also incredibly excited for him!  For today, Mr. John saw his good friend, his Savior– Jesus Christ.  I know that he and I will soon be in worship together again.

 

Today, I will be reminded that we really don’t know how long we have with each other.  Maybe it will be almost 100 years, maybe it’s just today.  Call someone and tell them you love them.  Don’t wait to live a little.  We are given today.  May I be found living it a fashion that demonstrates my love for Jesus and those He has placed me around; not taking a single day for granted…