"Well, we gotta have a party!"

Today was my first outdoor run.  I haven't been running outside because I don't like the cold, but today I wasn't able to get to the gym before it closed - so an outdoor run it was.



I couldn't get to the gym this morning because I was at a memorial service for my friend Kevin.  We met at one of the shelters LIVING Ministry visits and although he didn't come to Bible study often, he regularly dropped in to say hi, share a meal he cooked for the group, or come along to play basketball or go out to eat with us.  Kevin was the kind of guy you like to be around because he's got a lot of joy and it's a contagious joy - you can't help but catch it!

As we drove to the service today, my friend Laura and I were sharing a memory of Kevin that perfectly captures the person he was.  Laura was going away home for the summer break and when Kevin found out, he looked right at her and said "Well, we gotta have a party!" He went on to list all the food we had to get to make it a good party (Kevin was well known for his adventures in cooking), and we all sat around the table and dreamed up this going away party.

Kevin made it happen.  When we came back the next week (Laura's last week before break) we had a cookout complete with all the side dishes and lots of dessert.  Everyone from the building stopped by and we just had a fun afternoon together.  And it was all thanks to Kevin!



Today my challenge was to run 5 miles.  It was the first time I ran outside in months, and the first time I had hills and cold weather to deal with.  I couldn't make the full 5 miles, but it was probably one of the best runs I've had so far.  It was beautiful and different from my routine and between all of the running and walking and stopping to stretch it was a little strange.  But for me that made it a really great way to remember Kevin - seeing the beauty, doing something different, and just being free to do my own thing.  

It has been a true blessing to get to know Kevin over the last 2 years.  It was my pleasure to run outside this afternoon and think about his life and his legacy of lightheartedness and joy.  I hope the party he's living right now is beyond anything we can ever dream up here on Earth.  Rest in Peace Kevin, we will miss you.