I lost a friend today.

Steve kayaking

He was a sweet, thoughtful, and generous man—and I always enjoyed being around him.

I met Steve several years ago on a kayak outing through our church. We had outdoorsy friends in common, so we bumped into each other frequently after that. Steve was the silent type, but he smiled a lot and was quick to laugh.

My warmest memories of Steve involve kayaking and snowshoeing. He never cared about fitting in or keeping up or proving anything. He marched to his own drummer. He loved just being out there—in God’s country. When he wasn’t participating, he was behind the scenes—schlepping gear, cheering his friends on, fixing meals—and he seemed to get as much joy from all that as he would if he were doing the activity himself.

Our snowshoe hike along the river.

I last saw Steve in January when we were at Tahoe with friends for a snowshoeing weekend. The first day the two of us ventured out alone. We were both new to the sport, so trekking along at our own leisurely pace was perfect. I remember so clearly… it was a crisp, blue-sky day and the snow along the river was pristine.

Steve was fit and strong and had that ever-present, slightly shy smile on his face.

That was such a short time ago.

Today he’s gone.

Just like that.

What a poignant reminder that in the span of eternity we are “but a breath” here on earth (Psalm 39:5). Our time is short. We cheat ourselves when we take life for granted. Or family or friends. Or mountain peaks, or pounding surf, or wildflowers, or stunning sunsets. They are breathtaking gifts from the passionate, loving God Who plans our days.

Steve has left us to be with the One Who loves him more than we can fathom.

And he leaves us with a legacy of sweet memories.

Let’s honor his memory by embracing life to the fullest, and by daily thanking the One Who gives it.

Steve’s birthday dinner.

Steve with Kelly

Steve with long-time dear friend Janice

Steve with George

If you knew Steve…

Do you have a favorite memory of him?

What did you appreciate most about him?