A tribute to Michelle

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  John 12: 24

Today I had the privilege of going to a celebration of the life of Michelle. She was a young lady I taught 10 years ago who had been killed in a car accident in Ireland aged just 21. She was a remarkable young lady who, despite her short life, had greatly impacted many people as was evidenced by the hundreds who attended the celebration. They were of all ages from babies to old people, from many countries and reflected family, friends, school mates, university friends, teachers and church family.

The celebration was unlike anything I had been to before and took the form of an opportunity for anyone to share a thought, poem, letter, e mail, song, dance and even a magic trick. The one thing that came through over and over again was Michelle’s love for the Lord and her love for life. She lived life to the full, was a wonderful friend and great fun. She loved to sing, dance, worship, play practical jokes, laugh and just hang out with anyone. She was a huge source of encouragement to many people and as people read out things she had written it was obvious that she was funny but also had a wisdom way beyond her years. She infected everyone with whom she came into contact with an enthusiasm essential in a generation of cynical young people.

She was not one of those people who sail through life with no difficulties – she had had quite a share of troubles but she refused to blame God for anything. She was convinced that God loved her and everyone else and was the true source of every good and perfect gift. Even at the end she was in Ireland to visit someone who had just become a Christian to strengthen and encourage them.

Her great heart was for people to know Jesus and to know him to the full. Life was a gift and one to be lived to the fullest one could.  She was as source of great joy to all who knew her. So why did she, who had everything to live for, die at such a young age. I really do not know. All I know is that of the many seeds she generously planted around the world, they will each bear a harvest of righteousness that will far outlive her short life. I am convinced that people who never knew her will be impacted by her life as the seeds she sowed bear fruit.

My prayer and desire is to have the same ‘live life to the fullest’ approach to my life as Michelle did and to try to be a source of encouragement to all I come into contact with. God bless you Michelle. Enjoy heaven! I’ll see you again one day.