Word came yesterday that a dear friend was nearing death. He has battled a dread disease for quite a while. He peacefully slipped away around midnight, surrounded by those who loved him most. 

From the first time we met, he treated me with characteristic grace. His friendship has repeatedly blessed me for over fifteen years. A group of men who do the same kind of job around our area gathered almost monthly for several years for breakfast, conversation, and prayer. Glenn’s smile and sunny disposition enriched every meeting. 

Glenn was a man without pretense. He embodied deep joy. He laughed easily, loved extravagantly, and celebrated every good thing he heard from the men in our group. There are too few friends like him in this world.

Glenn made me want to be a better man whenever I was around him. 

As we gather for worship today, let’s give thanks for men like Glenn. Let’s pray for his family as they grieve their loss and heaven’s gain. Let’s look at our lives and ponder how we can shine God’s light in every conversation the way Glenn did. 

—

I will thank God for Glenn and learn from his gracious nature.

—

Our Father, thank you for men like Glenn. His life declares that your grace is real and builds us into better men and women. His joy is contagious. His laughter warms hearts. His prayers put steel in our spines. Thank you for a life well lived and a rest well earned. Amen.