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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