Today I took some time to reflect on the life of my good friend, Dr. Mark Hassel. Four years ago on this day, Mark departed this life to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ. What he’s experiencing now is far better than anything in this world. But his departure (from our perspective) felt like it was much too early. I cannot adequately explain the mystery of this, but I can honor his memory. One way is to do this is to keep looking at how I am living the days left to me. He would want me to do this.
Mark was an inspiring person. At the memorial gathering for his life, I summarized the way Mark lived with 7 vignettes:
Live Fully (Colossians 3:23)
Laugh often (Proverbs 17:22)
Love creation (Psalm 19:1)
Serve others (Galatians 5:13)
Suffer courageously (James 1:12)
Be faithful (Matthew 25:23)
Love God (Matthew 22:37-39)
In his journal, Mark wrote some deep reflections about his journey. Consider his words:
“I am accustomed to being the one in charge of caring for others. It has been a growing and humbling experience for me to be on the receiving end from so many, so often. For me, this is perhaps the most difficult adjustment I have had to make. Just the same, it is an absolute delight to watch God work through His people. The love that you all have shown to me and my family is a great gift from God and I am so thankful for His gifts through all of you.”
“My whole life has been rearranged so dramatically that it is many times hard for me to fully comprehend what is happening. Some part of me is in denial, that everything will resolve and I will be back to work soon. That is my desire, yet it is not up to me to determine what will happen. I must rely on God and trust in His plan. I will use every means that God has entrusted me to try to obtain the goal I have set, which is to return to work fully recovered. At the same time, I am fully aware of the outcome statistics for my condition and the limited therapeutic options. Yet God is not limited by anything. If it be His will, I will be made well. If not, I accept his decision.”
“I am thankful that I have the ultimate hope in Jesus Christ. For Christ himself said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” Who do I believe in? I believe in the authority and power of Jesus Christ.”
Mark’s faith in Jesus Christ was so strong and so well-placed. It was not wishful thinking based on imagination. It was based on the irrefutable evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was not faith in a religion or a philosophy but faith in a living and personal Savior who tasted death for him and opened the way to be right with God.
I enjoyed many deep conversations with Mark about his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As a medical doctor, he knew so much about the amazing complexities of the human body. He use to say that it would be impossible for anyone with such knowledge to honestly reject a Creator behind the amazing design of the human body. He devoted his life to serving his patients to the glory of God. When it was his turn to be the patient, he did it with a grace and dignity I will never forget.
Today, Mark is with our Savior in heaven. Today I am remembering and praying –especially for his dear family. I pray for Jennifer, Erin, Emily and Carson. I hold a special place in my heart for all of you. I wish so much that you did not feel such profound loss. I pray for you to live the days God allows for you based on the 7 qualities I presented in Mark’s honor. Live with confident expectation that you will be reunited him! Cherish his memory. Be inspired by his life. Serve his Savior! Find joy in each day. I know he would want this for you!
Pastor Steve
see also: http://thinkpoint.wordpress.com/2007/03/20/tribute-to-a-courageous-doctor-and-friend/
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