This is a question that lives in the back of my mind recently.
Is my life full because I’m busy everyday? Is it even full because I spend it working, even if that work brings me joy? Not really. At the end of the day, am I deriving joy from work while neglecting the other aspects of my life?
Sometimes I feel that I am.
Am I taking life and myself too seriously?
Sometimes I think that I am.
Laughter, family, community, faith, Purpose, joy. That is the meaning of a full life.
A friend of mine, a beautiful soul that I had the privilege to know, spent his life (at least from the moment that I’ve known him) showing us an example of what a full life really means.
He showed us fun. He showed us laughter and smiles unending. I can’t recall a time with him around where he didn’t light the room up. Whether with his jokes, his lighthearted presence, or even the way he commanded a room when it was time to get down to business.
He balanced it so well with Purpose. He was out in his community being an advocate, a representative, a champion, a bridge, and a disciple of God. How many times did he tell me “You need Jesus” or “You need prayer”, I can’t count. It wasn’t until we connected on attending the same church in New York, which was a mainstay in my family, that I realized just how deep in his discipleship he was.
He was driving change left and right. Challenging status quos, being a behind the scenes motivator and empowering the voices of the people.
He was a force.
No one did community quite like him. Not only did he know everybody, he loved everybody; quietly and in the ways they needed. He quietly, and sarcastically, had a heart of gold. And this community loved and loves him just as much. He bled his heart into us, and sometimes you don’t notice just how much care someone pours until they’re gone and you look back to the quiet ways that they uplifted you, checked in on you, advocated for you, and empowered you.
He poured.
I wonder now how much of that pouring was in an intentional–typical Virgo–fashion, and how much of it was just natural. Because it felt like naturally, if you were in his life, his mission was to make you laugh and brighten your day.
A full life, my friend. That is what you lived. You showed us how to not take things too seriously. See the world. Keep in touch. Go on adventures. Be in community.
And those lessons mean more to me now than ever. Your leaving us this soon is the reminder.. We need each other, and this life is short.
We didn’t talk or connect as much as we could’ve, and I regret every invitation I didn’t take you up on. You are one of those people that are one in a million.
I will forever remember your example of what it means to walk in Purpose, Faith, and as a reflection of the Lord.
“Help me to live as a reflection of Your Holy Spirit being at work in my life – in the way that I live, lead, and love others.”
– Pastor Marissa Farrow
We will miss you, my friend.
Z's Comfort Zone 