Today is the day to love those around us

By Jeff Becraft

 

Today is a day we have never seen… and we will never see it again.

I have written before about Rev. Joe… back in May when he had a brain aneurysm. A few weeks ago he was moved to a rehab center. I had been out of town for my Mom and then was out in Arkansas speaking at a camp and then got some sort of sinus infection after the camp. I called Ms. Janis (his wife) and told her I would come by as soon as I was better.

On Wednesday of this week, I called Ms. Janis to see if she would be there and that I would come by some time that day. She informed me that Rev. Joe had passed away that morning.

I couldn’t believe it. Joe gone?

It really took the air out of me. I told her how sorry I was and we prayed together over the phone.

Revs. Joe & Janis English are two of my heroes. When Rev. Joe was really serious about something, he would close his eyes and talk with a little greater intensity. There were many times around him when I would jot down notes when he would make some comment.

And before that, right after Arkansas, our sister-in-law contacted us and said her mom was going to be put on hospice. We had just seen her 10 days before. She passed away the next evening. Mrs. Windsor was at my Mom’s memorial service… acting all the bit of Mrs. Windsor that she was. She even was making sure her grandsons had lifesavers before my Mom’s service started. She was smiling and talking to people.  And then two weeks later, she left this world.

So my brother and sister-in-law have lost both their moms in a matter of just a few weeks.

I have said it before and I will say it again… today is the day. If we need to say something to someone or to forgive someone or tell someone we love them, today is the day.

Don’t wait for tomorrow.

Today is the day to love those around us.

P.S.  I spoke with Ms. Janis last night and her voice sounded strong. She talked about how God’s grace has carried her and how thankful she was for everyone’s prayers.

 

Jeff Becraft is the Director Emeritus for Youth Corps and has dedicated much of his life to helping shift the vision of people’s lives. Youth Corps is a life-changing leadership development experience that inspires high school students to be leaders in the Midlands and beyond. You can connect with Jeff at [email protected].