He reflected the Son.
He was a custodian, but I always knew he was destined for something greater. With a joyful heart, he would sing to himself, just slightly off-key, as he diligently mopped the floor in the hallway. His songs were always praises to the Lord and although he never won an American Idol competition, I knew that God was listening and smiling.
Although we were not very close friends, he was a brother in Christ. That bond gave entree to speak about life and spiritual subjects. Our conversations were never lengthy, but they always gave me great encouragement. He always had a positive word for me when he came in to my office to empty the trash in the morning. Despite the mundane nature of his job, he always performed it with joy and dedication. Seeing his face was like seeing the sun — after all, he was always reflecting the Son. He had a heart for people and his greatest desire was to spread the good news.
When he was diagnosed with lymphoma, he was a little concerned — but not very. He was a believer and he knew that God had plans for him. No matter what they were, he knew those plans were good. I told him that I would pray for him and I did. A little later, he told me that the tumor was shrinking and that he was able to witness to the people at the doctor’s office. My heart leapt and I believed that he would soon be healed.
As he was undergoing treatment, I had moved to a different position and my new office was in an adjacent building. For a while, I didn’t see him. The corridors were dolefully quiet, just the sound of footfalls and conversation. No endearing songs of worship sung slightly off-key to bring a smile to my face as I walked by. I saw him a couple of times since then, gave him a hug and told him that I was praying for him.
Not long after, I discovered that he was in the hospital. His body had not tolerated the chemotherapy well. I still believed that he would pull through, because after all, he was young, my husband’s age — and I was sure that God had a plan for him! This ordeal would surely be used as a powerful testimony and would bring many to believe in Christ.
I was absolutely shocked when I discovered that he had passed away.
Tonight was his funeral, but I did not attend. This entry and the remembrance of the impact that he made on me is my memorial to his life. Although I was only a very small part of his life, I am so blessed to have known him. Now he can sing his praises to the Lord in His presence, and I know He is smiling.
