Monday, August 10, 2009

Ryan



He was God's child. He was Dale and Celeste's son. He was Amber and Lynn's brother. He was Dawn's husband. He was Caleb, Levi, Seth and Chloe's daddy. He used to live in Nairobi, Kenya. Now he lives in heaven.

His life suddenly ended at age 33. There was no warning, no long term illness, no reason to anticipate this loss. There was only an airplane flight that ended in flames. We may not know why for a long time, but someday we will know why Ryan had to go to his eternal home so soon. And because we never know when our last day is approaching, I am writing this blog to encourage everyone who reads it to live your life to it's fullest. Make your life count. Live with a purpose. Love your children. Make your actions matter. Speak with patience. Decide with wisdom. Ignore the things about your spouse that drive you crazy and love them like crazy instead. Take the risk. Go on the adventure. Leave the dishes till morning. But eat really good food. Cherish every kiss, every snuggle, every giggle. Forgive things that others have already forgotten. Release any bitterness. Say Yes more often. Assume the best. Be inspired. Know there's a Plan. And most of all, accept Jesus as your own personal Lord and Savior. Knowing Him fully will give you the wealth of joy needed to get through the times in life when despair wants to take over. We can have JOY knowing that Ryan is healed, rejoicing in heaven, having true life. We also know that when we finally make it to heaven, Ryan will be waiting at the gates for us. It's not good-bye. It's see you later. And until then, let's live!! Really Live.