Normally I don’t make posts like this, but within the past several days two events occurred that gave meaning to my week. The first occurred on Friday, when a 20 year close friend passed away. He had cancer, fought bravely and without complaint, and passed with his family present. He was truly a friend, not the kind that we have because it is convenient, or necessary, but because he was there for you, unselfish and giving. Great attitude, had a joy for life, loved his family. Was a giver first, not a taker in life. He was one of the “good guys” and will be missed.
The second event occurred last Saturday. My oldest son David felt drawn to do some ministry work and left for Ecuador with 4 friends. They raised several thousands of dollars to buy supplies for children, rented a truck and motorcycles, and set out on a 5 day journey to visit schools and orphanages to distribute the supplies purchased with the donations.
While they were getting organized on Saturday, it was unplanned but they decided to stop by a local orphanage in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, to see if they could help. The people running this particular orphanage told them that they ran out of diapers the night before, and that they only had enough money to buy food for the children. They had been praying a good part of Friday night for a miracle. The next morning, in walks David and his friends. They immediately went to the nearest store and purchased $1,000 worth of diapers for the children. While David was describing the scene, I got chills and it touched my faith deeply.
For me, these events are closely tied. While we mourn for my friends passing, both are a cause for celebration of life, the choices we make and what we can do to give meaning to others. We are defined by our choices and the actions we take. We can choose to Celebrate giving for the sheer joy of giving. We can choose to Celebrate Life.