By: Donna Martin
The last time I saw Ray Kent Dill was at a small local restaurant where he was meeting his wife for lunch. Although they had been married for 50 years, they still took the time from their busy work schedule to have lunch together. They happily greeted us when they walked into the restaurant, and we chatted a few minutes – catching up on news of family and friends. Then they sat at their table and talked with each other as they enjoyed their lunch date. Ray Kent and Sharon were still in love and enjoyed being with each other even after 50 years of marriage.
Little did I know that this would be the last time I saw Ray Kent. A month later I received an email that he had died suddenly. I called his wife Sharon to offer my condolences. She was distraught with grief as she told me that he had called her right before his death. Her heart was breaking as she described to me the events of that afternoon.
At his funeral the minister said that Ray Kent was a man of faith, family, and friends. That was evidenced by the huge crowd that filled the large church. Ray Kent Dill had been a faithful member of his church for 46 years. He and Sharon served in many areas of the church. I remember the delicious meals that he had helped Sharon prepare at youth camp. The minister told of various occasions when Kent was always eager to help someone; he was a friend to all. The pictures shown before the service depicted many happy moments that he had shared with his wife, sons, and grandchildren. A man of faith, a friend to all, and a man who loved and cherished his family – the perfect way to be remembered.
Ray Kent Dill was not an old man from my perspective. He was only 9 years older than me. As I sat at the funeral and thought about how fast the past 9 years of my life have passed, I was struck with the reality of how our lives pass by so quickly. I was reminded that every day I should make the most of each moment. I should take every opportunity that I have to be kind and encouraging to all the people who come into my life. I should cherish each moment that I spend with my husband, my children, my grandchildren and other family members. I should seek each day to accomplish the task that God sets before me.
James 4:14 says, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” What do you need to do before you vanish as a mist? Ask God to help you live your life to the fullest and to make the most of each moment that he has given you.
The Martins currently present “Happy Together” marriages seminars for churches and organizations. To schedule a seminar call Michael at 940-735-1515. They also publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues. You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com.