A friend of mine from college passed away last week, quite unexpectedly, at least to us. So, I know this has been a rough week for all of us who knew Calvin. I’m sure most of us have been feeling that it was so unexpected and way too soon to lose him. I just wanted to share with you the text that the preacher used yesterday at my church. He was speaking from Luke 2:49. His sermon actually went in a different direction, but my mind related it to Calvin. This part of Luke is about how Jesus and his parents (and family) went to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When Jesus was 12, they went to Jerusalem for the custom and soon after, left…I’m assuming to go back home. Well, after about a day or so, as they were traveling home, they realized that Jesus was not with them and the family. They went back to Jerusalem to find Jesus at the temple “talking with the doctors” – both asking and answering questions.
As I imagine every parent would do, they were concerned that he was “missing.” Vs. 48 – “…and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” And Jesus replied by saying in vs 49 – “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”
Jesus was not where his parents and family expected him to be. But that was simply their expectation. Jesus was right where he was supposed to be…handling his Father’s business.
I have to believe the same is with Calvin. In his sudden death, we are looking for him…wondering why he is not where we expected him to be. It is human nature to expect a 32 year old man, so full of life, to be here tomorrow. But, we have to understand that it’s not about us. It’s not about our plans or expectations. I believe that Calvin, in his fly church suit 
So, friends, although this time is hard for us, let us all try to find comfort in knowing that Calvin, though he is not physically with us, is on the job. When God told him to, he packed up and moved to Atlanta for Divinity School. And now, when God called him again, he put on his suit and followed Him, agenda in hand, ready to take care of His Father’s business. (Now, I’m not sure if cigars are allowed on this job…but…either way, I’m sure Calvin will fill the position successfully. 
It has helped me to think in this way and I hope in some way, this helps you. We will cry, we will grieve, but ultimately we will smile and celebrate the fullness of Calvin’s life and the wonderful memories that we all have of him.
Take care
