A friend of mine died this Saturday. Craig is a friend and brother of my community at Quest. Over the past two years he had been battling with brain cancer. He honestly, fought it so bravely and tenaciously, as he sought to be a presence to his wife and two small children. Craig made the most of his time-- although, the amount of time he had was uncertain, he fought to utilize his time in spending it and growing in love with Betty & the kids. About 6 weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting with them. I was astounded and moved when Craig, while weak, frail & tired, sat there and in turn ministered to us. He preached of loving our families more deeply and figuring out what is most important in life. Amidst his struggles to live, he found what was important and continued to seek God amidst personal tragedy and adversity. Here is an excerpt from a blog he wrote...
life lesson #6

in addition to your new year’s resolutions (many of which are probably already broken), I would like each of you to do something more meaningful and look back on 2008 and find at least 10 things that you are thankful for.

I’ll start…..
I’m thankful to God for his daily miracles of minimizing the symptoms from my tumors.

I’m thankful to God for letting me make it to 2009 – my docs said I’d likely be in heaven by now.

I’m thankful for every moment I had, and continue to have, with my wife and kids.

I’m thankful for my wife, mom, and brother who are there daily by my side dutifully taking care of me.

I’m thankful for all my faithful friends who just flocked to my side at a moments notice.

I’m thankful for my loving church body who amaze me daily with their continual prayer and love.

I’m thankful for my magician of an accupuncturist, David Lerner, my caregivers at SCCA and SCTWC who have taken such good care of me over the last 15 months.

I’m thankful for my wonderfully supportive employer – NeuroVista – who continues to support and love me on a daily basis

I’m thankful for my family and friends who have cooked us meals and taken our kids on play dates.

I’m thankful for each and every one of you who have read my blog, thought of me and prayed for me.


This is the gift he shared with me-- the challenge to love more deeply, to live more fully and to be intentional about seeking God's hand in each moment.

I will miss him. He will be greatly missed in our community. Craig, thank you for your love & service.

And my heart especially goes out to Betty, Joshua & Kate. May they experience a comfort indescribable in their time of loss. My prayer is this Psalm that I claim for their family:

121.
I lift my eyes up to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heaven and earth.

May God's help be present and felt today.