Yesterday I planned to have a slow day capped off by seeing my buddy Tom Davis speak at the Free to Live tour. I also hoped to be decadent and watch an episode of “Modern Family” at work.
I stumbled downstairs looking for coffee. My little dog Asha tried to be cheerful when she greeted me, but she’s got some hacking cough that made her sound like death. Great.
I opened my email and there was this horrible news: My classmate Sean O’ Connell had been shot and killed in St. Thomas, V.I.
Had a skype call scheduled with Grant in Spain, “Give me a few minutes – my friend died.”
Got in the car. My mom called and said, “We’re still alive. We haven’t had a phone for four days and the forest fire came within a few feet of our cabin.” What??! My parents are rugged and would rather tell us about near-calamities after the fact.
That aft
ernoon, I watched an episode of “Modern Family.” Maybe I just needed to unplug.
ernoon, I watched an episode of “Modern Family.” Maybe I just needed to unplug.
That night, Tom’s speaking (and the concert preceding it) was great. Seeing him in Atlanta lifted my spirit. Danny drove us home where Asha greeted me – still struggling and hacking. I tumbled into bed at 2 a.m.
Life is short. Stuff happens to us we never asked for. God doesn’t promise us it will be easy, but he does hold our hand through all its storms. Some days I can barely make it even knowing that. I don’t know how the rest of the world makes it without him.
More “life is short” thoughts here.
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Seth Barnes
I'm motivated to join God in his global reclamation project. He's on the move, setting his sons and daughters free from their places of captivity. And he's partnering with those of us who have been freed to go and free others.
Thank you for posting this. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. He was a wonderful person, and despite our ups and downs, he was a great husband. Lots of prayers and support from friends and family over the years helped me through hell. Thanks again for posting!
Lucinda, i’m so sorry. I can’t imagine your pain.
Just came back from our 30th reunion at Darden. So many old friends who remember Sean well.
If there’s ever anything I can do for you, please let me know.
“Lower your expectations of earth. This isn’t Heaven, so don’t expect it to be.”
— Max Lucado
Seth, so sorry to hear of the loss of your classmate. May God comfort and bring peace to his family and friends!
Loved your last paragraph: “Life is short. Stuff happens to us we never asked for. God doesn’t promise us it will be easy, but he does hold our hand through all its storms. Some days I can barely make it even knowing that. I don’t know how the rest of the world makes it without him.”
How grateful we should be each day that He indeed holds us up, encourages us, strengthens those hands that hang down at times. Praising Him for always being there for us, for His faithfulness, His commitment to us!
May He continue to strengthen you, dear friend, and bless you and yours. Praying for you today. Miss ya and sending a hug your way!
Thanks, Sue. Appreciate your encouragement. It’s virtual church for me this morning.
Dear Daddy Seth,
So soory to hear that.But we pray May God comfort and bring peace to his family and friends!
Emmanuel Sadiq.
daddy. how sad about all of that! good news is asha only has a sinus infection – so she’s on antibiotics. love you and praying for you!
I am so sorry Seth.