One Problem With A Weekend Retreat

One problem with a weekend retreat in the mountains is … it ends.

At some point you have to pack up your stuff, climb into the car, and head back to the real world. The challenge is to bring something back, to make sure the sense of renewal doesn’t fade before the garage door opens at home.

One image I brought home from my weekend is a memory of a man I didn’t know very well. His name was Doug—he was instrumental in building the men’s ministry at my church, sowing the seeds that sprouted into an amazing weekend. Doug would have been there, but he was killed in a motorcycle accident a few months ago.

Several guys talked about Doug—his booming laugh, long hair, and huge heart for kids and other men. They shared stories of how he always showed up when someone was feeling lost or alone, how he knew when to quote a scripture, when to cry, and when to laugh and reassure.

One of Doug’s friends wore a t-shirt created for the memorial service. It sported his treasured Harley logo on the front, and the back proclaimed:

EVERYONE DIES. NOT EVERYONE TRULY LIVES.

Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. [John 10:7-10]

Doug lived the full, abundant life for which Jesus lived, died, and lived again. He loved, he laughed, he served, and he didn’t waste the time God gave him.

His spirit was with us throughout the weekend. Even though I barely knew him, his presence brought a sense of peace and comfort.

I like the idea of a t-shirt for my own memorial. I wonder what it would say.

What would you like your t-shirt to say?