Tuesday, May 1, 2012

“Uncle Buddy”


    Frances’ Uncle Buddy went to be with his Lord this past Friday.

    Of the many things that could be said about Robert Clinton Vrocher, three are paramount: he loved the Lord, he loved his family, and he loved people.  Most importantly, he fulfilled this holy triumvirate of devotion to that which truly matters because he trusted in the Christ who motivates and enables such blessedness.  “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

     I was never in Uncle Buddy’s presence when I did not personally experience or witness him express genuine interest in other people.  He would shake your hand or hug you, and then look right into your eyes as he asked how you were doing.  He really wanted to know, and never was the conversation about him.  He was one of those people whose vision always seemed to be directed outward rather than inward, and I can honestly say that every time I’ve ever thought about Uncle Buddy, the same consideration comes to mind:  “what a sweet, sweet man.”

    The pastor who delivered the message at Uncle Buddy’s memorial service spoke of celebrating a life well lived.  This was perfectly appropriate because Uncle Buddy knew what life is really about.  As Frances often says, “Life is about God and people.  Everything else is just stuff.”  The presence of the Lord Jesus in a heart ready to respond works to fulfill this understanding that the two great commands of Scripture – loving God and loving people – beckon us to experience what it means to be truly alive.  “To live is Christ” declared the Apostle Paul, and of all that one can say about the Lord Jesus, loving His Father and loving people graces every detail of our Savior’s existence (Philippians 1:21).  Frances’ Uncle Buddy realized this truth of all truths in a particularly sublime way, and became a wonderful reflection of its Light.  He will be missed, and the memory of this “sweet, sweet man” will always bring to mind the wonder of a sweet, sweet Savior.

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
(Philippians 2:4)

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