On Friday night, we celebrated our friend Matt Smith's life. Matt and I grew up together - albeit several years apart. Our families were friends, and we played many a game of kick the can together. Matt was called home at the age of 33 - about three years ago - leaving a wife and three children behind.
This is our second year of attending the Matt Smith golf outing. The outing was started as a way to raise money for Matt's family. Just as one example of what a legacy Matt left, each year his wife Brooke donates half the money raised back into the inner-city Pittsburgh community where they live.
Every time I have the opportunity to look at Matt's life, I am humbled. He led a life that is a true testament to Jesus Christ and his love, and he lived it every minute of every day. Those of us - like me - who recognize God's love, but have a hard time sharing it, can definitely learn something from Matt. There were no less than 100 people in Frankfort last night to raise money in Matt's name. These are people that Matt knew from Frankfort, from Ohio, and from Pennsylvania.... and represent only a fraction of the lives Matt touched.
When Matt was diagnosed with cancer, and had a young family, it would have been very easy for him to turn inward and lose sight of the Lord. Instead, he continued to dedicate his life to his Savior, and taught everyone who came into contact with him that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
I was extremely humbled, as I always am, by learning more about Matt's life. His wife Brooke and three kids - Maddie, Grace, and Jackson - continue his ministry in the inner city of Pittsburgh. http://www.newhopeneighbor.org/yeskids.htm
We should all look to Matt as an example of what a relationship with God can be. One thing I know for sure: When Matt met his Maker, he heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I will strive - and fail, and continue to strive - to do the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment