Ode to a Friend - David Coward

Our congregation has lost a new and dear friend. A new member of First United Methodist Church, Dallas (joined on Father's Day) died suddenly late Tuesday night. He was so excited about his new journey in this faith family and had even agreed to my challenge of working closely with me in the Evangelism efforts here at FUMC Dallas. During the last couple of months, many lunches were had, histories shared and visions dreamed for the ministries here. So why, I ask myself, is he suddenly gone? Today I met his family and experienced their grief. A very close friend of his is hurting too. In situations like these, I always try to find my place in the big picture. Especially now, when I feel so affected by the loss. With my constant need to put everything in it's neat little place, this just doesn't work well for me. I can't see the meaning in it. What I do believe is that given some time, I still won't see the meaning in it but will find a way to integrate this loss into the understanding of my life. My prayer today is for the family and close friends of David as we all travel the long road of recovery from this loss.