Living With Intentionality

One of the things I regularly get to do in my pastoral duties is write peoples’ life stories. Everyone has a story. Some day a pastor or friend will stand up in front of a group of people and tell your story. What kind of story will they be able to tell?

Writing eulogies is an art form. “Eulogy” means “blessing.” Eulogies are intended to honor the deceased. I, sometimes, have to be pretty creative when crafting a persons’ story. Other times, I find myself enthralled and amazed when mining the information to include in a person’s eulogy.

I have often wondered why “funeral” begins with the word “fun.” There is nothing fun about the experience. I must confess, however, that whenever I get to tell the story of someone who has lived with intentionality – someone who chose meaningful existence over empty self-indulgence – the experience is deeply joyful.

We all have a chance and a choice to live our lives in an intentional way. Those who follow the call to extend the borders of God’s grace and mercy while pushing back the darkness are crafting stories worth telling.

Firstlight International, under Dan and Debbie’s intentional leadership, is one of those stories. And the good news is we don’t have to wait to tell it. I’m honored to play a small part in that story.

~ Bill Ellis