This post is very personal in nature. Life dictates we must pass through death in order to enter the eternal presence of God. It is a sobering time, one of massive reflection for me. What will it be like? Absent from the body, present with the Lord, as the Apostle Paul stated.
Over 25 years ago, I witnessed my father pass from life to death to eternal life. I saw the decline in his physical body. It shook me to my core. I was speechless. There was so much I wanted to say, but the words caught in my throat. I tried but I chickened out. I just couldn’t seem to push forward. I missed the opportunity to verbally say how much he meant to me.
Now, I have another dear friend in a similar situation. Short of a miracle, he is just a few short weeks before he passes into Glory. Praise God, he knows his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and his eternal destination. Well, I decided not to “chicken out” this time. I wanted to tell him my innermost and deepest thoughts toward him. Once again, the words could not be uttered through my mouth. I wrote him a letter. Something he (and his wife) can keep. With his permission, I have placed the letter in this post.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your sacrifice and surety for our future.
Ralph,
Blessings to my brother in Christ and all praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
It is times like these words escape me and emotions overwhelm me. I would prefer to say these things verbally, but I know since they are of such a personal nature to me, I would not be able to do so. Therefore, I write these thoughts, so I can clarify them and say what I need to say.
In life, we must accomplish only two things. Jesus put it this way:
Matthew 22: 36 – 40:
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it. ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Ralph, you have exemplified these two commandments. As I have grown to know you, I have always been struck by your abilities in this area. You have greatly impacted me and others around you. The interns we engaged this past spring where equally impacted.
One thing I keep in front of my eyes is the legacy I leave behind. Since we are fellow drummers, I will use drumming as a metaphor.
We don’t just walk to a different beat, we are the beat. We set the pace and keep the time. While others can do it without us, there is always something missing without the reassuring beat of the drummer. I’ve seen your steadfastness, not getting overly anxious or off-tempo as life hits you time and again. Your steadfastness in the Lord is expressly noticeable. I don’t know what pace you go in your private time, out of the limelight, whether it is frantic or slower paced, but publicly, you are rock-solid. Your trust in the Lord is evident whether times are good or times are bad. That display of trust shows even if it is not acknowledged. Others see it. I see it. Christ sees it.
As drummers, we add color and syncopation to life. Your quick humor and hearty laugh light up the room. You brighten those around you and make all feel welcomed and comfortable. Quick to add a story or affirm someone else’s, you show your love for Christ and for others through your words and actions. You freely hug and touch others in away they feel comforted and loved. I am a person who does not readily accept hugs from just anyone. Yours was always welcomed. As I told you, my love language is touch and I carefully guard that because of the inappropriate behaviors it can easily lead me into (but definitely not with men – whew!).
As drummers, we are rarely in the limelight, but in the background supporting the rest of the band. Your willingness to lend a hand (accept around power tools – that would result in a different way of lending a hand) and serve others has not gone unnoticed. Jesus was a servant and a leader. You exhibit the same trait – willing to serve others and step into leadership positions as needed.
Occasionally, we drummers are spotlighted while doing our solo riffs. It’s times like these where we can strut our stuff, show off a bit, and just let loose. I got a peek of it the day you attended our Toastmasters meeting. It was good to see you in action. I wish I could see more. I have seen it when you make a point in a conversation. Your wisdom and knowledge of the Word is evident and it comes through.
Ralph, I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t know if you’ll receive your healing in this life or shed all diseases in the next. One thing I do know for sure, Jesus Christ is waiting for us on the other side of this life. Jesus and many others – the ones we have personally led to Christ and the many more we have invested into through our giving and prayers will welcome us with the greatest of joy. If you beat me there, I’ll come looking for you when I arrive. If I beat you there, I’ll be watching for you, brother. We’ll have a great reunion and a time of rejoicing. I don’t know if we’ll recount old times or just make new ones, but either way, it will be a joyous occasion.
Let me close with this. In this life, I have many acquaintances – people I know. I have few friends, people I really like and trust. But I will say, there are less than ten people I love as a brother or sister – my immediate family and a very select few. You have earned a place in the most inner circle. You have impacted my life more than you can imagine and more than I ever suspected.
I don’t really know a good way to end this letter. I’ll simply say, I love you and I’m praying for your peace above all else.
David A. Zimmer
Your Brother in Christ
#offeringthoughts
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