Recently our alma mater, Kentucky Christian University, experienced the unexpected loss of their dear friend and co-worker. Bill went into the hospital one day and went to Heaven the next. As I read many comments about his life, a recurring theme was evident. Bill...truly...cared.
Tim and I met Bill and his sweet wife, Donnette, thirty-one years ago during my summer internship at Northwest Avenue Church of Christ in Tallmadge, Ohio. I wish I could remember every name from that wonderful congregation. But I don't. I do remember several precious families' names. The Bondurant family is definitely one of them.
When our daughter moved to KCU twenty-four years later, our hearts soared for her...yet ached at how quickly the years had passed. Yet knowing there were precious people working there, including Bill, made the transition much easier. How deeply he touched her life, as well as ours. No matter how busy the days were, Bill always took...time...to...care. He encouraged. He listened. He smiled. He always had something positive to say. After Rachel's graduation, Bill was one of the last people we saw before leaving campus. As always, he stood on the sidewalk, spoke kind and gentle words, told Rachel how proud he was of her...and encouraged our family...yet again.
His example has been on my mind so much since his sudden transition to Heaven. What was it that made His life so effective, so respected, so purposeful, so positive, so peaceful, so precious to countless lives? Again, Bill...truly...cared. Each day. Each person. I am reminded of another life who took time to care. He took time for the sick, the sinners, the scorned, the scarred, the hurting, the lost and "the least" of them. It is the One Who truly cared for each life...that I believe Bill reflected each moment of his life. When I think of Bill's kind, gentle, patient, joyful, humble and loving spirit, I see that he genuinely lived for his Lord. Now he is in the Presence of the One he loved and served so dearly.
I have always longed to make a difference in this world. I have searched for ways to do so more effectively. Yet it seems quite simple when I remember that loving God...and loving others...makes all the difference. May I make time. May I listen. May I care. May I treat others with compassion and concern. May I love freely. May I meet each person with kindness, gentleness, patience, joy, love and hope. May I stand for truth while serving with tenderness. May I see value in each life. May I honor the One who knows me best and loves me most.
Thank You, God, for lighting this world with Bill Bondurant. Thank You for our hope of seeing Bill again soon. Please hold his family close as they hold onto You so faithfully. Thank You for Your love that carries us each day...and then carries us Home.♥~thl
"Let Your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4: 5
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