Good Ones
Mar 10, 2008 faith
When I read the news this morning of the passing of a co-worker this weekend, it took my breath away. He’d battled cancer for almost two years, yet even the last time I saw him in the elevator in early February, his pain and fear was laced with care as he asked how I was doing, the same attitude he’d shown me since we first met. As I processed the news, I had to guard my heart against anger.
Why take the good ones, Lord?
Todd Burleson’s five children are similar in age to mine, though Todd was eight years younger than me. In Todd’s wife’s blog entry the day after Valentine’s Day, she spoke of how they’d shared what lied ahead with each of their children. His only daughter asked, “… who will walk me down the aisle?” The five different accounts didn’t hit me so hard the first time I read them; but now Todd’s gone, and the children’s questions and reponses resonate loudly in the chasm of silence left behind by his death.
While I didn’t know him closely, I can say with assurance his life’s focus was to glorify God in all things. Every time I thought of Todd today I sensed his calming presence reminding me he’s in a better place and free of pain. There’s grace in God’s plan for each of us. Todd touched many lives, and his life touched mine. I’m grateful for his kindness and the unmistakable faith that always shined in his eyes. My prayer is that others who may not yet understand the root of Todd’s faith, be impacted by the outpouring of love this coming weekend at the celebration of life being held to honor Todd, and come to know the peace of God’s love.
I’m heart broken, and don’t understand. We’ll miss you, Todd… thanks for being one of the good ones.
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