My friend Art

My friend Art passed away today after nearly two years of battling pancreatic cancer. He was still playing a little golf a few weeks ago. He was a lovely man, no one ever spoke an unkind word about Art. He was an engineer from Illinois. Spent most of his career in the oil business. He was organized to the hilt and everything was viewed through "critical" eyes of cause and effect.

He grew up in a Christian home and made his home as Godly as he could. He must have done somethings right because his kids and grand kids anchor their lives in Christ. Art was the most active member of the men's Bible study I taught several years ago in our community. By active, I don't just mean attendance, but he probed every teaching, testing every thought and concept. He was well into his 60's, been in church all his life, but never engaged a serious Bible study, never owned his own bible. He actually had an aversion to this sort of group thing, religion had been a private thing for Art, but now was different for him for some reason.

He was drawn to Scripture. His eyes were opened to God's eyes. His life begin to transform, his mind moved from carnal to Kingdom Spiritual). His relationship with his adult children began to change. His wife and family saw this transformation right before their eyes. He found joy he had never seen before. He read scripture with an understanding he never had before. He was quick and eager to tell of the joy he found in knowing Jesus.

THEN, Christmas 2009 he got the word about his cancer. Of course he and his family were devastated. News you have cancer is a horrible thing to hear, especially pancreatic. But it was Art who lifted them all up with hope and eyes toward God. His new understanding of God had built in Him a faith that transcended circumstances. He lived the last months (about 22) as a testimony to all in our community of the Grace set before him. He was the one who made others comfortable with his condition. The carnally minded around us were amazed!! Art did not focus on what to do about dying with cancer, but he always sought, "how must I now live?"

What set out as just another attempt at a men's Bible study, prepared Art for Glory. There are no accidents in God's economy. The angels are welcoming Art into his eternal home and I know Art recognized them all for he had seen Glory already through the eyes of faith. What a privilege we have to partner with God in what He is doing, even when we think we are just doing ordinary things.

May we all be as blessed as my friend Art!!