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The Brevity of Life: Yesterday, my friend went home

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Charisma Media Group, LLC 50622

My friend Tony went home to continue his eternal life in heaven. I will really miss him. For me, there have only been  three that I've ever considered true friends, those who accept you warts and all, who'll overlook your faults, who'll be honest with you. You know what I mean.

I will cherish the time I had Tony as a true friend. But, this is what I want to share today: Tony and I met just before thanksgiving for our usual get-together. The conversation over breakfast usually revolved around our Faith and politics as it did that morning. We got to talking about what was happening in the world and the results of the election and he said to me, "you know what matters to me most now? I just want to spend much more time with my family... in 4 or 8 years, I may not even be here..." It was as if he knew something. I sensed a real longing then and some sadness.

I must tell you. Tony was speaking the truth. What does matter most?  Our relationship with God. Our loving others. Our really loving our families (spending TIME, with them--with an undivided mind.)

We human beings instinctively strive. In our case the stiving can include: the number of transactions, the Gross Commission Income, the designations, market-share, are some examples. The measures we use for success are :our possessions--the car we drive, the clubs we belong to, the number of contacts who give us praise; our position in our industry, social networks, community, company; the power we think we have over ourselves, over others, over our circumstances--very often we are The Lord of our own Ring and we think we are the higher power in our lives.

All of this striving for more can cost us: we don't invest time where we it's most important to invest it.

What is worth sacrificing our relationship with GOD or with our family? Yes, we can be good Christians and yet, be so worldly that we can forget what is really important.

We don't know the hour when we will depart this life.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (or lose his  spouse, children or his friends)

( Mark 8:36)

 

Posted by

John March

843-368-9146

Comments (15)

Jeff and Lisa Sellers
The Sellers Realty Lubbock,TX - Lubbock, TX

John - Thanks for reminding us of eternal truths and what is truly important...

Let not your heart be troubled....John 14

Dec 09, 2008 07:33 AM
Hugh Krone
Weichert Referral Associates - Hamburg, NJ
Realtor, Sussex County NJ

John, Being pretty deep into my own grieving process I know there is not much i can say to make you feel better. But I do know taking it to the Lord makes it alot easier. God Bless You, Someday we have to talk

Dec 09, 2008 09:55 AM
Hugh Krone
Weichert Referral Associates - Hamburg, NJ
Realtor, Sussex County NJ

John, I featured this in Walking by Faith in the Rain

Dec 09, 2008 09:56 AM
Kathy Honeycutt
Realty One Group Freedom - Travelers Rest, SC
Realtor/ Neighborhood Specialist

What a beautiful tribute to your friend, I am very sorry for your loss.  God is in control and is a wonderful savior.  What a special Christmas your friiend wil

have this year.  

Dec 09, 2008 12:22 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Thanks. You are so right. We know not what the future will bring so we need to enjoy our "now" with the ones who are important.

Dec 10, 2008 08:22 AM
Alexander Harb
Knights Investing - Mesquite, TX
Dallas, Texas Real Estate Investing

John......

I know the pain of loosing someone you are close to....even if they were not your spouse, father, mother or another sibling......

I am featuring this post in, "Christianity and Real Estate"..... as a prayer request and as a reminder...... we NEED to express our love to others we care about....

May the Lord be with you to comfort you....and may He be with the spouse and family that also miss him so very much.....

 

Dec 11, 2008 10:56 AM
John March
Charisma Media Group, LLC - Bluffton, SC
"Engage, connect, prosper" (Matt 6:33)

Thanks to all who commented here. Thanks to Hugh and to Alexander for featuring the post.

It is just something, thanksgiving and Christmas, a time of joy, can be so difficult for so many. (I mean people who have lost loved ones, are in dire financial straits, sickness, etc Just this week, another good friend lost his wife who had a stroke, 18 months ago, my neighbor from across our street, lost a friend she had visiting and caring for for over a year, died

.--I am grateful for the Savior and for Christian friends and the body of Christ.

I want to cherish each day. Do good. Focus on helping people.

 I love you and bless you in Jesus Name.

 

Dec 13, 2008 12:46 AM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!

John, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend.  You will be in my prayers. 

Dec 18, 2008 08:37 AM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

John, I am so sorry to hear about your friend.  it sounds like it was sudden also. We just don't know what tomorrow will bring; do we!!  I lost a friend/neighbor from pancreatic cancer earlier this year and it has been a difficult year for our cul-de-sac.  I know she is in a better place but we sure miss her.

Dec 18, 2008 02:26 PM
John March
Charisma Media Group, LLC - Bluffton, SC
"Engage, connect, prosper" (Matt 6:33)

Marchel, thanks you for your comment. It is really tough losing a friend or anyone. It is comforting when we can know that they are with The Lord.

Merry Christmas

Dec 19, 2008 02:40 AM
John March
Charisma Media Group, LLC - Bluffton, SC
"Engage, connect, prosper" (Matt 6:33)

Gary, thanks so muc for your post and thanks for the prayers.

BeBlessed

And Merry Christmas

Dec 19, 2008 02:42 AM
Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

Thank you for sharing.  It is always sobering to hear about someone's passing.  Rejoicing in today and the fact that God has given me another day of life. :)  Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and lots of quality time together!

Dec 20, 2008 01:44 PM
Joan Snodgrass
Midamerica Referral Network - Kimberling City, MO

Bless you John.  The holidays make loss seem much more difficult.  Our loss - God's gain.

Dec 21, 2008 06:25 AM
John March
Charisma Media Group, LLC - Bluffton, SC
"Engage, connect, prosper" (Matt 6:33)

Sonja, and Joan, thanks for the kind words. 
BeBlessed

John

Dec 21, 2008 07:28 AM
Oconee and Sinclair Lakes - Georgia
Sycamore Oconee Real Estate - Eatonton, GA

Very well put, John.  As I grow older, I am very cognizant of the very short time that God gives us on this earth. It's a good thing that our lifetime is short when compared to eternity.  Otherwise, we would certainly fail many more times.  It sounds as if Tony had his priorities right. 

We can all found solace in the fact that we will all be together one day.  May God bless Tony's family in their loss during this Christmas season, and may God bless you in the loss of a dear friend. 

 

Dec 23, 2008 01:42 PM