Remembering an everyday hero

It has been said that we can do no great things, only small things with great love.

At home, we diligently wash the dishes, do the laundry and clear the trash.  We ask our spouses how their day went, patiently hear our respective frustrations, and lovingly encourage each other.  We help our children with their homework, model for them love, patience and thankfulness, and play endless board games with them.  We pray together when we are burdened, worried or tired, and give thanks for big and little victories, celebrations and milestones.

At work, we faithfully check our emails, hold meetings and give and take instructions.  We make a genuine effort to hear our colleagues' and customers' needs and concerns.  We help each other to learn and get things done.  Sometimes, but not often enough, we become friends.  We cheer each other on in our achievements, lend an ear to each other's troubles, and pray for each other's needs.

Few people see us do these things.  The newspapers don't blare them out.  They are small things.  The world doesn't see and doesn't know if we do these small things with great love or not.  But today, I want to remember a good friend who did do small things with great love, and tell just a few more people so that we can celebrate that.

In the office, she was always positive, surrounded with many friends, willing to help others, and went about doing everything quietly and effectively, and then some more.  From secretarial work, she eventually went on to acquire professional Compliance qualifications and made the transition to executive Compliance work, alongside colleagues who were degree and and even masters holders.  I cannot explain how awesomely impressive that was, but those of you who are in this profession understand the degree of technical and relational competence required to do this well.

Even when she was ill, she continued to live life full of joy.  She was a loving wife, an encouraging mother.  She travelled, ate, exercised, went on outings, and spent time with everyone who mattered to her.  She sat before the Lord and enjoyed his Word.  She gave testimony of His goodness to her friends, colleagues, family and children.  One time in particular, I remember she invited some colleagues to her home and witnessed boldly and joyfully to all of them.  I remember another time, her joyfulness as she celebrated the milestone of giving her life testimony to the church congregation.

In John 5:33-35, Jesus speaks of John the Baptist and how he was a lamp that burned and gave light to be enjoyed.

"You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth.  Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.  John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light."

John the Baptist was a political and religious personality who is remembered for posterity in the Bible.  But while not all Godly heroes are recorded in the Bible, their names are recorded in the book of life that Christ will open when He comes again, to wipe every tear from our eyes, where there will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4).

But while we await that day, I would like to record the name of Lassie Chan here in my little blog.  While her name and her life, lived with great love, may not be in the headlines or the history books, today, I remember her here.

So to all of Lassie's many friends and family - you have sent to Lassie, and she has testified to the truth.  Not that God accepts human testimony, but we mention it that you may be saved.  Lassie was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy her light.  And we thank God for her.

And finally, to my brother Wayne, who is with God too - hey, would you mind showing Lassie around while we all wait to meet again?  We will have so much to talk about then!

With much love, and great anticipation of the day when every tear shall be wiped from our eyes.

Glenn

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