this morning my counseling supervisor, Daryle Woodward, died. he had just turned 65. his death was very much expected as his health had been in decline for the past 4 years and most dramatically the last 4 months.
i had the priviledge of seeing him for the last time on friday. i had "just so happened" to email him before our trip to touch base. his dear wife patti wrote back explaining what had been going on and invited me to visit. my time with him on friday was short, as his thoughts were a bit confused and his energy level was low. but he did recognize me and i was able to thank him for all he gave me, all he taught me, the ways he cared for me.
he was my supervisor while i attended Denver Seminary and then after i graduated. i certainly will never forget him. i feel sad today.
as i was driving to work and praying for Daryle and Patti and other dear friends i was reminded that we are most certianly 'dust.'
Psalm 103 says:
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him.
We are dust and yet the Lord's love, which is never ending - breaking all boundaries of time - is lavished upon us. Being pregnant I am often reminded of the gift of life. And today that is coupled with the reality of death. Today I am reminded that we have been given the greatest gift of love and have a choice to respond. For the Lord has given us the great priviledge of loving Him and loving others, despite the fact that we are dust. For by His grace we can still make a difference.
Daryle made a difference. He loved Jesus and he loved others well. And there are many who will miss him. But Praise the Lord that Daryle is with Jesus today - dancing, smiling, telling jokes and listening.
1 comment:
Oh Kristi, I'm so sorry for your loss! Losing a mentor is so hard. I love you and am praying for you. Keep taking care of yourself and getting lots of rest.
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