Two lives at the finish line

Ed Thomas, high school football coach from Parkersburg, IA, was shot and killed on Wednesday morning by a man who formerly played on his team. Thomas, 58, was a family man, a phenomenal coach who sent several guys into the pros, and a Christian man deeply respected in Parkersburg, where he invested 37 years coaching and helping out anyone in distress. When the little town was destroyed by a tornado last year, Thomas was at the forefront of efforts to rebuild the community. Hundreds gathered to remember him at a memorial at the football field.
Michael Jackson, 50, the “king of pop music,” died yesterday at his home in Los Angeles from sudden cardiac arrest. Billions (literally!) spoke his name as news traveled ‘round the world. Major networks gave hours to coverage of his death and remembering his art. Amazingly gifted as an entertainer, his personal life was tragic, and to all appearances, he was a very lonely, troubled individual.

The contrast of these two lives occupied my mind for quite a while. One was rich, the other was not. One was famous, the other was not. Both enjoyed a kind of success, but of a very different nature. One was loved for himself, the other loved for his art. One was fulfilled and at peace with his life, the other on an endless quest for what God only knows.

Jesus asks us a pointed question. "What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? " (Mark 8:36-37, The Message)

Jackson was inarguably a man who lived an amazing life, who gained most everything that many crave. He had wealth and recognition, some saying he was known by more people around the world than other person. But, what does he leave and where did he go? He lived for this world and died a spiritual pauper.

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
who has enjoyed the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who has left the world better than he found it,
whether by an improved flower, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
who has never lacked appreciation of Earth`s beauty or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others and
given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction."
by Betty Anderson Stanley

Here’s a word from the Word. It is my prayer today. Will you make it yours?
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
(Psalm 90:12, NIV)

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I’m taking a couple of days off next week. CoffeeBreak will be back on Weds., 7/1.