See you on the other side, David

For those who weren't here yesterday morning, I asked for prayer for our friends the Edwards family and the family of First Baptist Church in Corsicana. Dr. David Edwards, pastor of FBC, was tragically killed in a two-vehicle accident near Hubbard. (Here's a link to the full story). David lived a full life and leaves behind a powerful legacy of God's faithfulness, compassion and vision for reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Lyndy, three children and a loving church.
David came to Corsicana in 2006, just about the same time I was finishing PhD work. The Lord's timing was impeccable. I thought I was headed for teaching, but in David, I found a man with equal credentials (he earned a PhD as well) who was serving the people of God by pastoring. In many ways, his influence in my life became a turning point. I had never really considered pastoring as a vocation until that point. He spoke of changed lives, altered destinies and impacted communities, all through the work of pastoring. I began to see in David the man God might make in me. It was his zeal for loving people that spoke to me most. I met with David often and spoke via telephone even more. His guidance and leadership in my life helped me realize God had indeed called me to pastor. He was one who helped me when FBC Frankston came to call and then again when Central came as well.
David and Lyndy came to Jacksonville several weeks ago for the Jacksonville High-Corsicana High football game. We sat at Lupe's Mexican Food across from the Tomato Bowl and talked about our love for our churches, our wives and our Lord. I didn't know it would be the last time we would share fellowship together. If I had, maybe I linger a little longer with David before we got up to go to the game. Maybe I tell him how much influence he's had on my life. Maybe I say thanks for his example of godly passionate leadership. The good news is we'll share fellowship again. The next time, there's no event that will end it. See you on the other side, dear friend.