love

So i spent this weekend in Washington... because it's always nice to get home once every 8 months or so... 

But this time i was headed there for a funeral... An amazing lady named MaryAnn Gambill went home to be with Jesus just recently. I have never been to a longer memorial service. IT WAS AMAZING. 4 hours later i really didn't want it to be over. I first met her when i was 4. She was the counselor at the high school where my mom had just gotten a job. And she quickly became my new best friend. She had a neverending bowl of candy. I couldn't figure it out. Here i was, "sneaking" in at least once every afternoon (and by sneaking i mean walking in with a cute little grin and seeing how many reece's peanut butter cups i could fit in my little hand. 

But as someone at the service put it, MaryAnn didn't do it to increase the hyperactivity of one 4  year old, nor was it just for me. As i heard throughout the afternoon, so many people were attracted to that office by the "counseling" or the candy jar, that they may or may not have understood the real purpose for Mrs. Gumball being there. She was there to show you how much Jesus loved EVERYONE. And she didn't tell you about it. She LIVED it. 

I'm not a super emotional person, but i have never had more goosebumps and tears in such a short period of time. This woman took the call to love literally and spent her entire life as i would learn, living out what Jesus asked her to do. She planned her own memorial service, piece by piece, starting with balloons and beautiful flowers, all the way down to the songs that were sung, to be here final party. A party celebrating what God had done in her life, and not with just a few of her close friends. With everyone of her friends, whether they could be in that auditorium or not. 

I don't love people enough. Im not getting down on myself. Im challenging myself in front of anyone who ever reads this that i need to get my bum in gear and stop being a selfish jerkoid.(mattism) Is it hard for anyone else? Why can't it be exciting for me to always find out how each person is doing. Be there to listen.... be hurt when someone is hurting. I've been praying for that recently, and i trust that God will help me begin to walk in that direction. Mrs. Gambill, i didn't realize it til now, but you have done so much for me, even if i didn't figure it out until you had gone to see Jesus. I love you, and i miss you. I pray that i never forget you or your example....

Matthew