We’ve all enjoyed many moments when we’ve blessed others’ lives through acts of service, kind words, hugs, or simple smiles, and when others have done the same for us. And I would bet most of us would agree there are extraordinary people who do these things with such consistency they stand out as great among good people.
The pastor and triathlete Brent Cunningham is one such individual. I’ve run into or next to Brent here and there over the years, but it wasn’t until I experienced his energy at last year’s Sitka High School baccalaureate services that I got to experience him lighting up the Episcopal church and graduates’ lives with his life and message.
Recently, Brent and his wife, Karin, shared simple acts of kindness that lightened a heavy heart and lit up a nation yearning for light following the Boston Marathon bombings.
And this morning Brent once again lit up my life when our paths crossed on our Sunday morning runs.
Not surprisingly, more and more people are seeking the light Brent so freely shares. He’s flying out of town this week to speak at the graduation ceremony of the school he graduated from a few years back. (Based on his cherubic cheeks, I’m guessing he graduated about seven years ago!)
Brent gave me a sneak preview of his speech, which I count as an inspiring Sunday morning sermon. He gave me permission to share the essence of it with you.
1) Dream dreams . . . And go for it
2) Notice people
3) Give something away of great value because people are of great value
4) Stay with people for the long haul!
Of course, he fleshed out his four points by recounting his story of the events leading up to the selfless and spontaneous gifts he and Karin shared with Laura Wellington in Boston. And then he talked about the good things that have happened since that difficult day.
In the few minutes Brent and I shared this morning on the road, he lived true to these four points. His morning run is one of thousands of morning runs that have taken him from dream to dream. He noticed me. He gave away something of great value to me, and he stayed with me. I have full faith he’ll stay with me and countless other people who are blessed to enjoy Brent’s friendship.
Brent inspires me to dream dreams, notice people, give away things of great value because people are of great value, and stay with people for the long haul.
Thank you, Brent! Thanks for the sermon on the road on our journey of life.
