the secret of life

It's weird how someone you never knew can affect your life in such a deep and intimate way.

For me it was a guy from my old church. I never had the great experience of meeting Dave Powell; to hear his laugh, or experience his passion for God and life. I've never looked upon his face, or into his eyes, or explored the pieces of his soul that I hear he would so willingly share. And though Dave and I are total strangers, even total opposites in the ways that we live our lives; I feel as though I know a part of him.

It's a crazy thought. I know, I know. But then again we all have these crazy thoughts from time to time. I probably have them more often than not, which may seem unfortunate, but it sure keeps things interesting.

But back to Dave: I feel as though I have met him before. And I think that is because I have. Because for some of my life I knew and loved the man that so inspired Dave. The man he is now laughing with and magnifying and bowing down to worship in His very presence. And His name is Jesus.

Now, I haven't been religious for some time. Events transpired and thoughts occurred that slowly, over time, drew me away from the religion I had held so dear for most of my life. But I cannot deny this profound thought I have that Dave really did exhibit the character of what I think God may be like. Someone that is radical, that catches people's attention and whose character, though humble, demands attention because of the spark that it has. Someone who loves unconditionally, and in the right ways. From what I have heard about Dave, he seems to be someone who really lived life. We're all alive, but I can testify to the fact that most of us live our lives half dead. Because that's where I am, and it's where i have been for months now.

But Dave has shown me something. Though he never spoke a word to me, the legacy his life has left behind and the impression that he has made on the people that have met him causes me to think in ways that I haven't for a long time.

And I start to wonder... if maybe He got it right. Actually, I know he did.

I wish I had known Dave.
I wish he was here now and I could ask him how he became to be the Christ-like person that he was. Because right now, I am at a loss.

Dave. Tell me your secret.