Our Lives Have Forever Changed

Life Has Forever Changed

My mentor, Michael,  died and I am forever changed by the whole experience.

The old saying is true, “You never know when your time will come.”

Well, I certainly didn’t know his time was so near.

My mentor had been full of hope and energy.  Then, his cancer reared its ugly head and he started to decline.  I found myself praying for him, his family, for all those (including myself) he had guided over the years. He had a very strong faith along with his wife Mary.  I visited with them to pray and give hugs.

I am not sure if any of us were ready for the phone call.  I am sure that many of us didn’t want to be alone when the phone rang to tell us of his parting.

Divine Opportunities

My mentor had taught me yoga, “the right way”.  He helped me to see the good within myself and others.  He taught me to be positive.  He guided me to the light.

Despite my personal challenges, the divine opportunities that he offered me were wonderful.  I was able to practice and learn from them: listening to others, being patient, meditation and Yoga Teacher Training.

He was a strong leader and a vital spiritual guide who led many individuals.  We are all lucky to have been able to share in his wisdom and talents.

Life is Short

Enjoy every moment of your life.  Enjoy your friends.  Enjoy your faith. Enjoy and share your wisdom.  Delight in your families.

The starkness of beholding death only holds a light to the beyond.

Now that he is gone, he won’t participate in any activity again, but he will always be in our minds and spirits.

Life is Short - Cherish Your Loved Ones

I will always treasure my memories of Michael, and the words of wisdom he so often shared.

Almost every time we gathered,  he had something of the Lord to share, some truth the Lord was making real to him, or a story of how he witnessed to a passerby in the store or while walking through the Farmer’s Market. He was always sharing.

The Lord was so real to him and he couldn't help but share his insight with everyone he met.

He had his chance to live on this earth, and he most definitely lived for the Lord, but, his opportunity to have an impact on the everyday world around him was wonderful.

Life is Short - Put Others First

Michael, in his final weeks, had stayed close to home due to his failing health, but, he still shared his stories of his spiritual life. He shared with family and friends many of those stories.

On many occasions, he spoke of the way he and his wife prayed for  and with their children on a daily basis.  Along with praying their Johnny Appleseed prayer every meal and singing O Come Emanuel with the prayer during the holidays.

He was always seeking the Lord on behalf of his children and their spouses.

“It’s all about other people,” he and his wife, Mary would say.

This phrase kept going over and over in my spirit.

“It’s all about other people.”

Life is Short - Share Your Faith

The reality is, we tend to live for ourselves. Every day, we do things that satisfy our lusts, desires, and physical needs, not giving any thought to those who are without.

Michael loved to share his faith and spirituality with others.  Michael cared for those who were without.

The impact of his life's testimony will go on in the lives and hearts of those he touched.

We cannot even fathom what the Lord has waiting for him in heaven. He certainly gained an eternal inheritance!

I believe in such things as an eternal inheritance, so my time to invest is right now!

Heavenly riches can be stored up as I bring glory to the Lord through faith and good works.

By putting other's needs first, by sharing my faith with others, by praying for others, the list goes on and on.  Just like Michael and because of Michael.

"It's all about other people."

This is the impact that Michael’s passing had on me, and it is already producing fruit in my life.

Namaste St. Michael!

Blessed Be,

Lynette Duley