Carolyn died in September.

 

I knew she’d fought an extended battle with cancer.  Still, I felt ill-prepared to receive the news that came in another friend’s Christmas letter.

 

Most of us don’t think of our daily friendships as fodder for a future legacy.  But Carolyn’s mark on my life is unmistakable, and the remembrance of her personal influence confirms God’s assignment for this blog in 2011.  We’ll be exploring investments—fitting, don’t you think, for a platform labeled The Seed Store—Seed for Thought?

 

I’d only seen Carolyn on a few short evenings over the last three decades.  We’d been separated by miles for years, though we maintained our friendship through annual letters.

 

As a young adult, I worked with Carolyn and her husband Pat in their accounting firm from my 19^th to 26^th year.  Pat, Carolyn, and partners Gary and Robyn extended a Godly influence that buoyed me through difficult times.  Their mentoring developed my confidence and faith.  Anyone I may have helped spiritually in subsequent years owes that help in part to Carolyn and her cohorts.

 

Carolyn brought life to everyone in her immediate circle, wherever its circumference might extend.  A lilting voice and brisk pace normally betrayed her approach.  Occasionally, wrapped in silent contemplation, she might round a corner and startle a coworker.  But the warmth of her full, crimson lips, spread in a ready smile, would disarm any irritation.

 

Carolyn loved a good laugh. In fact her guffaws might suddenly turn to a snort. Since I shared that propensity, I understood Carolyn’s embarrassment, though it only more greatly endeared her to me.

 

Jesus said, “If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light,” (Matthew 6:22).  Carolyn’s eyes percolated with joy and imagination.  Sometimes they glistened with empathy.  This wife, mother, and friend always encouraged a fuller understanding of any situation. Her compassion and faith were contagious.

Through Carolyn’s example, I believe the Lord wants to remind me and those who read my missives how greatly He invests in each one of us.  We’ll consider not only how God invests but how He desires us to do the same.  I hope you’ll come along as we learn together.

Copyright 2011 Carol Krebs