I remember when Pat and his wife Janella would come over to play cards with Mom and Dad when I was a little kid.  I’d try to escape their raucous laughter by shutting the door to my room. Didn’t work.

I passed by Pat’s auto body shop every day on my way to work. I’d see him in there, under a car or talking to a customer. Every day. Sometimes I’d catch him at a rare moment where he was in front of his shop. A little honk and a wave.

Pat retired recently but I’d still occasionally see him at his shop, tinkering or fiddling with something. His wife still worked but for the most part he stayed at home, cooking meals, taking care of the house, and enjoying retirement.

But, what’s the saying? Is it, the only thing that stays the same is change?

How true.

Pat died in an accident today.

Pray for Pat’s wife, his kids, and the rest of his family. Pray for the person who ran into Pat. Pray for all of those involved in this tragedy. It won’t be just Pat’s family who has a hard time dealing with what happened.

I trust God’s plans but I admit that I will never fully understand why things like this happen.

Life is fleeting, people. Make sure those that you love know it.

In fact, if there’s someone that doesn’t know it, or you haven’t told them in a long time, go tell them. Or call them. Right now.

Seriously. Right now. I know, it might be the middle of the night when you read this. It may have been years since you’ve spoken. Maybe you’re mad at each other. Maybe you’re ambivalent. Or simply apathetic.

Doesn’t matter.

What if it’s Pat today, and you tomorrow? Do you really want to leave this earth knowing full well you have loose ends that you could have tied up? I mean, do you really?

Don’t wait.

Go to them. Call them. Worst case, email them.

Go.

Yes, you’ll see Matt Redman in this clip (same guy from last week) but he’s playing with Hillsong London, doing Greatest Gift, which is one of my favs from the Jesus Is album. Give it a listen.

Condemnation falls away
Never more to call on me and I am clean, yes I am clean
The powerful work of you in me
Breaks the chains of guilt and shame and I go free, yes I go free

I take them to your cross and leave them there
Captured by this grace I’m free at last

It is the great gift of Your salvation
Working in me, working in me
It is the life giving taste of heaven
Your kindness revealed, Your kindness revealed to me

It’s the greatest gift of all
It’s the greatest gift of all
It’s the greatest gift of all

Your mercy’s pouring down on me, Your mercy’s pouring down on me
And I am clean, I am clean
Your mercy’s pouring down on me, Your mercy’s pouring down on me
And I go free, I go free

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I was recently afforded the opportunity to interview one of the greatest minds of our generation.

He’s the Sr. Associate Pastor at Maryland Community Church and lead pastor of eXchange. He also blogs over at resonate.

Ladies and gentlemen. The man. The myth.

Scot Longyear.

Scot’s taking a trip this summer to Guatemala. What’s more, you’re going to have the opportunity for Scot to be YOUR waiter. Let’s see what he has to say about it:

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Saw The Myriad at the House of Blues in Chicago when they toured with DCB this past fall. Check out their video for You Waste Time Like a Grandfather Clock from their recent release, With Arrows With Poise. Solid song.

What’s some new music you’re into right now?