December 2018 was filled with life celebrations of three big influencers on my life. First, my sister-in-law, Kim Smith, passed away at 55 years young. We celebrated her life at First Baptist Church in Lamesa, Texas on December 9. Kim impacted her sphere of influence through her positive attitude, her smile, her laugh, and kind words to those around her. Following her passing, we learned how she impacted many in the community by visiting with them on her walks across town.
My long-time mentor and friend, Bill Bates, passed at the age of 73 following a 2-year battle with leukemia. He took me under his wing at NASA and passed on some critical advice that helped me improve at work. Following his retirement, we continued to meet for lunch and catch up with one another. I always appreciated his encouragement support and will miss our time together.
Finally, we learned that my 93 year-old grandmother passed away on December 28. She lived much longer than anyone could have expected (see my post from more than two and a half years ago when I described her perseverance as a 90 year-old, who survived the combination of a broken back and pneumonia!). We are thankful Mano is finally at rest and peace now!
With these three influencers gone from my life in 2019, my one word focus is “Wisdom.” Following Solomon’s example from 1 Kings 3:9 when he responded to God’s offer of anything he wanted, “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” Solomon sought wisdom, and I know I need the same to succeed as a husband, father, and leader at work and church.
My 2019 Bible Study will focus on the wisdom of Proverbs. May my legacy be the same as Kim, Bill, and Mano, who each heard from God, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Click here for the Top 10 Bible Verses on Wisdom