Monday afternoon Pat, my son John (22 years old and about to graduate from Baylor) and I went to a funeral for Murray Newton.  Murray was John's Caregiver at church from the time John was in the 8th grade until he graduated from high school.  As a Caregiver Murray spent time with John and his friends and taught them about God and his word.  He taught by his actions and life as much or more than by his words.  Murray took the guys to sporting events, went to thier sporting events, had them over for all night video game parties and called them virtually every Saturday to see how they were doing.

Murray died of cancer.  He was only 53 years old.  He left behind a beautiful wife, two daughters, and a host of friends who loved and respected him.  He also left behind a group of young men whose lives were impacted by his.  One of those young men is going to college, has started his own business and spends his spare time coaching a 7th grade football team.  He is showing 7th grade boys what it is like to love the Lord and live with excellence on and off the football field.  Another one is going to Criswell Bible College and serving in a church (our church) working with the youth and young adults.  Another one is going to college and has spent his Firday mornings feeding homeless people and now spends Friday afternoons mentoring three little boys at their school which is filled with underpriviliged kids.  I know more about this young man than any of the others because he is my son.  Like all the others, Murray Newton made a huge difference in John's life.

One of Murray's co-workers spoke at the service.  He made a a statement that has stuck in my mind. He said, "Murray knew life was too short to get it wrong."

I want to live my life with that type of attitude - life is too short to get it wrong.  I want to live knowing that the only things that matter are eternal things like people.  I want to live my life focused on the things that can truly make a difference in this world.  I want to spend less time on things that just don't last.

So let me close by reminding you that life is too short to get it wrong.