Mike's Mission – Finding my place in the Son

My friend Bob died last night.  The memo to his former colleagues said he died suddenly and unexpectedly.

Bob was one of the good guys. We worked together for many years. He was a kind, thoughtful, caring man who was well liked by many and loved by most… and then suddenly and unexpectedly…

Bob was a witty man, and I liked that.  His dry sense of humor always drew at least a wry smile from me. He gave back to his community without reservation and and his generous nature made him a joy to be around…. and then suddenly and unexpectedly…

Bob was one of only 2 colorblind TV directors I ever worked with.  He had a beautiful wife and loved his dogs.  He was 47…. and then suddenly and unexpectedly…

Today, I just can’t get past those words… suddenly and unexpectedly.

We all have “suddenly and unexpectedlies” to face as we march ever forward through life. Some wonderful and thrilling; others tragic and heartbreaking.

“Time and tide wait for no man.” Chaucer

Ironically, while typing that quote I got a text that yet another dear, dear friend passed yesterday. And though, he was up in years and had been declining for a while, the news to me was sudden and unexpected.  I am doubly broken hearted.  No matter what we do time will go on and then, “suddenly and unexpectedly”…

“Suddenly and unexpectedly” is part of life I guess and maybe that is for the better. I have often felt that if we knew the future, good or bad, we would probably screw it up. However in hindsight, it is comforting to see how God has prepared us to face the “suddenly and unexpectedlies” to come.

In reality “suddenly and unexpectedly” can bring out the best in us.  “Suddenly and unexpectedly” often calls for a response.  “Suddenly and unexpectedly” opens our eyes to see clearly those things we might otherwise brush by or gloss over.  “Suddenly and unexpectedly” causes us to evaluate our priorities and determine what is important..

Without belaboring the point, I wanted to encourage us all to consider what impact “suddenly and unexpectedly” can have on our lives.  How do we prepare? Can we prepare?

I don’t know. But I do know this. We can be there for each other as life deals the cards. We can love and give and listen and pray and ride out the storm with those we love.

We take God at his word when the Psalmist wrote,

^{Psalm 34:17} The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

¹⁹ The righteous person may have many troubles,
    but the Lord delivers him from them all;

And we can’t always make sense of it.  We cry out to the starlit heavens, WHY?  … only to hear the crickets chirping in response.  We can’t always answer why; we must simply trust that it will all work out for the good… in His timing… often suddenly and unexpectedly.

Isaiah 55:8-9“ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

When “suddenly and unexpectedly” occurs, we will get through it.  The Beatles made it simple… “I get by with a little help from my friends”.  And I want to thank all those who have responded to me in times of “suddenly and unexpectedly”.  I love you.

Finally, let me pose the question to you.  If “suddenly and unexpectedly” comes to you personally, and your time is up, what then?  That’s one “suddenly and unexpectedly” you CAN prepare for.

Godspeed Bob.  Godspeed Dick.  I will miss you both.