A couple of years ago, my dear friend Greg Beadles turned me on to Michael Hyatt's life planning resource. At the outset of the planning guide, Hyatt states "A good plan starts with the end in mind." That is true whether you are building a house or taking a road trip. You must define your destination.
On July 4, my dear father-in-law, Louis Eubanks (Poppy), went home to be with the Lord. When he was on his death bed I expressed desires to Sondra to do his funeral message, but the Lord changed my mind to just observe and what I observed taught me more than I could've learned or imparted in preparing a 20 minute tribute.
It started as we brought him home from the hospital to spend his last few days in his home (our home) and the house was FILLED with prayers, food, well-wishers, and lovers of Poppy. In our home —surrounded by family, friends, and so many people whose lives had been touched by Poppy—I saw the kind of ending worth aiming for.
It was not an ending marked by applause, recognition, or great wealth. But a legacy. A life that left a mark.
My eyes were further opened at the viewing and funeral services. What a crowd!! I heard too many kind words to count—stories about how he served, loved, encouraged, and just showed up. Stories from Sunday School classes, ballfields, hospital rooms, classrooms, and quiet moments of friendship. It gave me a fresh vision for what I hope my own life can be.
Poppy lived simply and faithfully—and in doing so, he shaped the lives of everyone around him. He left a mark.
He showed me a great end to aim for. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
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