INSPIRASUNS

If you’re lucky you come across a person in your life who is a role model, a shining example of character, and a truly loving soul. Well, I have been so fortunate. Captain John was such a person. John was a dear friend, one who I looked at as a second father to me. And, he was the Godfather to my grandson.

Last night I found myself thinking about John as I watched the sunset after one of our summer rain storms. You see John was a retired Navy Captain. He was the captain of a nuclear submarine, and to say that he bled gold and blue would have been quite an understatement. Sorry, I digressed there just a tad. Anyway, John used to say “Pink at night, sailors delight”. Well, the sky last night had quite a pink hue to it.

John was a pretty amazing person. He had one of the strongest relationships with Father that I’ve been witness to. John lived his life with God first. He had a way of showing God’s love in everything he did. He loved his family, was loyal to friends, and was always there to help.

Many years ago, John was diagnosed with cancer. He and his wife made the decision to live life to the fullest every day. Our group of friends was fortunate to participate in many gatherings, dinners, and special events to celebrate John’s life with us in those final days. Even when facing death, John was a good and faithful servant. We spent many days and evenings playing remember when, talking about God, and growing in our faith with each other.

One particular evening I had stopped by after work just to check in with him. He was sitting in his comfy chair and after a short conversation, I grabbed my coat to leave. I bent down and gave John a kiss and told him I’d be back in a few days. As I was leaving he called me back. He wanted to show me something in the Book of Common Prayer. “Kim, this is one of my favorite passages”. It’s found towards the end of the Evening Prayer service. As I read that passage I found myself holding back tears. Again, even facing death, he was sharing God’s love with friends.

My hope is that I can be as faithful to Father as John was. Not a day goes by without thinking about him and the life he lived, especially when I see one of those pink skies at sunset. He was a testament, and an example of how we should care for one another, how we should love one another and how should have a loving relationship with God.

May you have someone in your life like John, and may you have a relationship with Father like John had.

Oh, and that passage that John shared with me, I read it every night.
“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen