In memory of Jeff Lee

I wanted to share with you an awesome experience that happened to me recently.


My friend Jeff Lee, age 81, died last Wednesday. I am embarrassed to admit that I as unaware that he had been diagnosed with cancer about 6 months ago. Jeff and I didn't see each other extremely often, but I was touched by his genuine nature every time we spoke at the YMCA or at church.


Jeff loved to worship the Lord. The first time we met, he approached me at that YMCA while I was on the elyptical machine with my headphones on. He approached, with a smile, and said something that I didn't hear. I removed my headphones and said, "excuse me?" with a smile of course. And he said "Are you practicing?" I said, "excuse me? Oh you must go to Cypress Bible Church." to which he replied, "Yes, I do." He had recognized me as the drummer from church and proceeded to tell me about how much he thoroughly enjoyed worship every Sunday morning and in particular how much he enjoyed the drums ;-) He had hit the nail on the head, because I made a practice of putting our upcoming Sunday Order of Worship on a playlist on my iPod, which I listen "practice" to while I work out. Over the next year or so, I would run into Jeff at the Y or at church. He always had a smile and a kind comment to share. We shared stories about infertility and adoption (I believe both of his kids are adopted), church, worship, drums and various other topics. It was never a bother to stop and visit with Jeff.


I had the distinct honor of being asked to particpate in the music for his funeral service this past Monday. We played four songs: In the Garden, How Great Thou Art, I Am Free and I'll Fly Away. It is so awesome to attend a memorial service for someone who really loved to worship. My friend and worship leader, Paul Taggart, introduced the song I Am Free as an unlikely song to hear at a memorial service due to its really upbeat tempo, but it was one of Jeff's favorite songs. Paul told the story of how Jeff (I introduced Jeff to Paul shortly after Jeff and I met) would approach Paul after services and ask "When are you going to play I Am Free again?" It is not often you get such a request from the older community. How awesome is that? We played it at Jeff's service very tastefully with acoustic guitar, piano and a cajon for the percussion part (the fancy wooden box you see me sit on and play at church; very cool instrument.) I was a bit curious to see how the song would go over. I am pleased to tell you that the attendees, and especially the family, LOVED it! Wow, how incredible it was to see everyone praising God in a time of earthly loss. You see, they all knew Jeff had gone home to be with his Father. It was a very special time and I wouldn't have traded it for anything.


If people have a fraction of nice things to say about me at my funeral as they did at Jeff's I would feel very honored. How are you living your life? Are you living for Christ or for self? Jeff lived a very Christ honoring life and it was an encouragement to hear all of the nice things said of him at his memorial service. What will people say at your funeral? Of course, what is really important is what will God say when you stand before His throne? I am confident of what he said when Jeff entered... Well done, good and faithful servant.


I wish I had had an opportunity to visit with him during his final months. I regret that I had lost contact and didn't check on him when I didn't see him for a while. I look forward to seeing him again someday. His smile and forever positive attitude will not be forgotten.


In memory of Jeff Lee, my brother in Christ.


Peace,
Shane