Just When You Least Expect It
“If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:7-11(NIV)
This is the scripture I used to describe my boss, my mentor, and my friend: Ken Price as I spoke at his funeral, fourteen years ago this week.
As a young teacher looking for a job, I’d about given up hope. School had started in most districts and there I was still without a classroom. But then, just when I least expected it, my phone rang and Ken was on the other end offering me a job in West Virginia. I immediately said yes! He drastically changed my life that day. Not only did he give me the start to a career I loved which lasted 32 years; he also had a hand in changing this city girl into a country girl and introducing me to my husband. Ken pushed me to leave my comfort zone, think outside the box, and he continuously challenged me to be a better teacher and person. Somewhere in the process he became a treasured friend, both to me and my family.
The crowded gymnasium was alive with energy. Our daughter was in the middle of cheering the basketball team on to victory and we were joining in, shouting at the top of our lungs. Then in the midst of the excitement, just when I least expected it, news came that Ken, our Ken, had suddenly passed away. In that moment, I felt as if the basketball had hit me and knocked the air from my lungs. The cheering continued but I couldn’t hear a thing. Making my way out of the gym, I didn’t want it to be true. It was. I prayed it was a mistake. It wasn’t. And once again, my life changed that day.
As I stood on the stage in that same gymnasium a few days later, the crowd was quiet this time. Speaking from my heart, I shared how Ken had allowed me to be me without judgement. That he compelled me to expect more out of myself without condemning and how he shared his wisdom without reservation.
The truth is, my life would have been profoundly different had it not been for Ken Price. He possessed many of the Spiritual Gifts listed above and his spirit was a gift to me. Oh, how I wish I would have told him so when I had the chance. The anniversary of his death reminds me how very important it is to always let those who mean so much to us, know! Not just on holidays. Not someday. Not even tomorrow.
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
Proverbs 21:1(NIV)
Let me ask you: is there someone you’re thinking of as you read this? Please don’t wait! Tell them now; because you and I know that just when you least expect it, life changes and the chance is gone. So make the call, send the text, FaceTime, or wrap them in your arms. You won’t be sorry! And who knows? Maybe you’ll change a life, just like Ken did mine!
Cindy, so true. I thank you for your confirmation on my post about “STORY.” I am a Mimi also but now my grown grands call me Mimz! I like it.
I love that Susan!!! I have wondered what will happen when the boys hit 12-13 and are embarrassed to say MiMi! Can’t wait to see what they come up with! Thanks for sharing that with me and for stopping in!
I can’t believe that was 14 years ago! Thanks for sharing with us. Mr. Price was a very special person, and I’m sure many people have fond memories of him. His smile was contagious. The way you weave life experiences with biblical messages is a God-given talent. Keep writing, Cindy!
Oh Robin, don’t we have so many wonderful memories of our time with Mr. Price??? Some of the best! Your words are balm to my soul. I hope you know that! Thanks you for leaving them for me!
Those yellow shorts are waving in the breeze on a porch at the beach! Pleasant memories!
Even better…..his wearing those yellow trunks and refusing to let me wash them even tho they were full of sand!!!! And our tattoos! You’re right, so many wonderful memories!
This is so good, Cindy! Ken must have been a wonderful man and boss. I’m thankful for the Kens in our lives. Thanks for the reminder to let those in my life know how much they mean to me. Including you! Thank you for being my friend! I appreciate you!
Back atcha Girl!!! I continue to be amazed at how God brings people together…..over the phone or online!! What a blessing! I so appreciate you taking the time to comment. It means a lot to me!
I’m glad you had him in your life when you did. Yes, we definitely need to use the present moments to remind people how much we love them.
Lisa, I am so thankful to have had him in my life! People always ask me how I got from Michigan to rural West Virginia and my answer is “God”. God used Ken to bring me to where I belonged but just didn’t know it. It was the beginning of a beautiful life and I am grateful beyond words! Thanks for stopping by.
I love this so much, Cindy. Ken sounds like an amazing person – and you’re right, we never know how long people are going to be in our lives, and we need to let them know how much they mean to us.
Jeannie (#26 in the linkup this week)
It’s a lesson I’ve learned that hard way and I really try like you to let those I love to have no doubt about it! I think I probably drive my kids crazy, truth be told! I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
You wrote this extremely well. What an honor to your former boss! Inpires us all to make a difference. I am your neighbor on #write28days Facebook page.
Thank you Karen! He was an inspiration and I hope that I pass some of in on to others I connect with! I appreciate you stopping by!
What a beautiful tribute to a man who lived life well! Mentors like that always make me want to be a better mentor.
Me too Anita! He set the standard high but I hope I can have the positive effect on others that he had on me! Thank you for your kind words!
Cindy, how blessed you were to have him in your life and I’m sure there are many others blessed as well. This is a lovely tribute to a real example of what we should try to attain in life. I hope when I am gone people will speak as highly of me. I always tell those I love that I love them and I’m a big hugger! I think that’s important too. 😀
I agree LaVonne, any form of affirmation and encouragement we can give is definitely important! And yes, I was truly blessed that God brought me to Ken or vice versa. I pray I make a difference in others’ lives like he did in mine. I know you do!