A Life of Excellence.....

When I learned that Miss LaVern Karns went to her eternal Home Monday morning, I began thinking about her dedicated life, her devoted work and her disciplined example.  Stories began to pour in from former college students of how she touched their lives in the classroom, in Churches and in her home. Some were humorous.  Some were serious.  All were shared with utmost love, gratitude and respect.

As I thought about her influence in my own life on personal, spiritual and musical levels, one word continued to arise. Why was this lady so loved, appreciated and respected by students over a thirty-five year teaching career at KCU?  Perhaps the answer is found in one simple word:  Excellence.

Miss Karns had a sense of humor.  While teaching our music theory class, she laughed with us as we learned to direct, etc..  Yet at the end of the day, she expected excellence.  Miss Karns loved the students without a doubt.  Yet at the end of the day, nothing replaced excellence.  Miss Karns obviously loved her Heavenly Father.  She utilized her many gifts to honor, serve and praise Him.  Yet no gift was surrendered to Him without a consistent level of excellence.  Whatever she did for Him, whatever she taught others to do, whatever she expected of others in their lives...required excellence! 

I last saw Miss Karns at our daughter's college graduation two years ago.  During a wonderful conversation with her, there was no doubt that even as a retired professor, her life, attitude, purpose and witness remained totally surrendered to God.  She taught, worked, loved and lived a life of excellence...and nothing less...for Him.

As I imagine Miss Karns approaching Heaven's gates, I immediately think of the following words most fitting for this woman totally devoted to God and His calling in her life. I can almost hear our precious Lord welcoming her Home as He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your Master's happiness."  (Matthew 25:21)

Thank you, Miss Karns for your life of service and surrender!  We love you.  We thank God for you.  We will never be the same because of you.  We shall see you soon. Well done, Miss Karns, well done! <3~thl