1 Peter 5:1-4 (NASB) ‘Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ‘
A dear friend of mine lost his father on the 11th, in a sudden and tragic accident. It’s never easy to lose the ones we love, but losing someone suddenly, I feel, hits with a bigger hammer. He and his family are still reeling, mourning the loss of their patriarch, a strong, vibrant and Godly man. If you wouldn’t mind, could you pray for their family and friends, that Jesus would provide them with comfort, peace and reassurance.
I had the the opportunity to speak with my friend the other day and part of that conversation is what I would like to share with you today. We talked about his dad and the life he lead. He was a Godly man, no doubt. He loved Jesus and he knew Jesus very well. He walked daily with him and it showed. His faith was visual, very visual. He cast a large shadow, but not one to fear, one to rest in. He was a kind man who loved people. He engaged with them. Not in a small talk, superficial way, but in a deep and eager way. He cared and he wanted to sincerely know about you. He was never short of questions. He would pose one, then listen intently, actively, internalizing all that was shared. He would think on it, then respond. Sometimes he would agree, other times, not so much. He’d share that with you, but you never felt judged, you just knew where he stood. He was sharing. He was a manly man. Strong willed and strong bodied. He was an army vet, a leader of men. He rode motorcycles, chopped wood, farmed, built things and fixed things. He was a man of power, but never wielded it against you, even though it would have been easy to. He was meekness personified, power restrained. He was a Godly, manly man and he will be missed.
As we shared with each other the thoughts and feelings we had for this man, my friend shared what had been repeating on his heart and mind. So many people had shared with him, their image of his dad. Most very similar to how I described. He wondered, what specifically was it about his dad that lead people to see him in this light. As a whole, rather unique of character and disposition in today’s world. What are some of the examples he has left behind for those who’ve known him to emulate? What are some of his defining attributes that we admire most and why?
Emil has left a legacy. One of which he, I have no doubt, never recognized the depth of. His impact will resonate throughout eternity and I am so blessed to have experienced his kindness, wisdom, humor and advice. When he reached Glory, I know he heard the words, “well done, son!” Have a blessed weekend and hold each other close.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
