"You will not all be present at your 5th year reunion."

Andrew Sanders
November 20, 1990 - September 29, 2013

Mr. Wayne P. James has always been famous for giving a annual speech to his students. His words have always been, "you will not all be present at your 5th year reunion."

When I heard these words as a freshman in high school, I couldn't grasp the idea, and most definitely did not receive his speech as reality.

This was until January 7th of my senior year when my sweet friend Katie's life was nearly ripped away from her. That night in the ICU waiting room, I collapsed in the arms of my father and asked, "everything is going to be ok, isn't it?" His answer nearly took the breath away from me. He responded, "I don't know." I knew at this point that my dad did not have all the answers - but he pointed me to a Heavenly Father who did.

I really believe that in this moment, I chose to have a personal relationship with God. Maybe in this moment, it was because I knew He was the only one who could save her. Maybe it was from the fear of death. Maybe it was my desire to have security in knowing I would one day go to heaven. Regardless, since that day, God has proven himself to me relentlessly, as I have continued to fail him time and time again.

One of the many ways I fail him is not living intentionally daily. Since January 7th, the knowledge that life is short and we truly do not know when our last breath will be, seems to slip my mind. Many days, I live as if there is much more time to decide to live "right." This was until the summer after my freshman year of college when I got the heart stopping phone call that our dear friend Dajuan had been shot to death.

I was asked to speak at his memorial service representing the class of 2009, and very hesitantly agreed.  I don't think many people heard a word I said that service, because the only sound anyone heard was the heart-wrenching cry of his mother. As I stood in front of a room full of young people listening to this noise, I once again remembered that life was short - and we never knew its end - none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

Since that day, several years later, I once again forget that I am not invincible.

This was until this past Monday morning at 5 a.m. when the world seemed to stop for a moment, with the news that our dear friend Andrew Sanders had very suddenly passed away.

It would be so easy to question why God look him so soon. It would be easy for some of us to question if there was even a God or why He allowed this to happen.

OR it could make us question who we are living our lives for, and if we are living our lives well. It could make us question, what will happen when we die?

Does Andrews death make me wonder "why"? Yes, absolutely. Does it make me question God? No, not for a second. I can't give all the answers and I can't promise you that it will even sound logical to you. But I can promise this: because of my relationship with God, my life has purpose. Because of my relationship with God, I have joy - even when life is hard. Because of my relationship with God, I am guaranteed eternity with Him, and all of those who too love Him. I am so thankful I am promised eternity - but I don't love Him for a ticket to heaven, I love Him for the sacrifice He made for me (and you).

I am heartbroken over Andrews death. I would do anything to hug him one last time, but no amount of tears will bring him back. I pray that Andrews passing bring about great change and good things. I pray this event makes each one of us pause for a moment and think about the relationship we have or don't have with our creator.

We don't really have an option to not believe Mr. James wise words. We now know they in fact are true. We will not all be at our fifth year reunion. We may not even be here tomorrow - so don't wait. Choose a life of purpose today.

All out of love for you and the Gospel,

Jordan
xoxo