a life well lived

I've been thinking about Heaven today.  I just learned this morning that a dear friend and devoted member of our church, Mort, passed away yesterday.  It came as a shock because, though he was ill, one of our pastors had just had lunch with him and everything seemed to be going okay. 

When I think back on my time with Mort, I think of a strong man of faith who loved the Lord well.  Our staff occasionally had lunch with him, and every time we would get together he would make a point to let our server know he was a Christian and if there was anything they needed prayer about, he would love to pray for them.  He was always sincere, never pushy, and you can believe he came across as genuine. 

I remember one time at lunch when we were talking about cruses.  He loved to take them and was telling us all about them.  Somehow, we got on the subject of a friend of his attempting to "set him up" with one of her friends to take a cruse together.  Of course, lost of joking ensued, but he got serious for one moment and, in all apparent honesty said, "I wouldn't get married again, even if she looked like J-Lo!"  Needless to say, we all lost it for a good five minutes.  To hear an 80 something-year-old man admit that Jennifer Lopez is attractive but he still wouldn't marry her was hilarious!

I also think of his faithfulness to our church.  Every Sunday morning, usually 20 to 30 minutes before service, he would come in and sit in the front row and listen to the worship team practice.  He was always there for a friendly smile or a "good morning" when I walked by and I know he loved hearing the music. 

I will miss him.  I will miss his stories about the people had the chance to minster to.  I will miss his ever present form in the front row.  I will miss his grin as we joke with him at lunch.  And I will miss his dedication to the Lord, acting as a guide for us who are younger.  I am thankful I got to know him and thankful for the time the Lord allowed him to be on this earth.  I'm also excited for his reunion with his wife and, most of all, his union with Jesus!

This was Mort's favorite song - nearly every Sunday he would ask if we could sing it, and I post it here in his honor.

Take Me In...

Take me past the outer courts
Into the secret place,
Past the brazen altar,
Lord, I want to see Your  face.
Pass me by the crowds of people,
The priests who sing Your praise;
I hunger and thirst for Your righteousness
And it’s only found in one place.

Take me in to the Holy of Holies,
Take me in by the blood of the Lamb;
Take me in to the Holy of Holies,
Take the coal, cleanse my lips,
Here I am.
Take the coal, cleanse my lips,
Here I am.
 
Dave Browning 1986 Glory Alleluia Music
CCLI #19272

His faith is now sight.  I look forward to seeing you again someday, Mort.