Simple Act of Kindness…he passed away, but left a gift on his way out

I learned just a while ago that my friend Larry Baltz passed away in his sleep early this morning.

Larry was the owner a professional speakers bureau. But more, Larry was a really good guy. He always showed kindness to me and others that I know. He was always generous with his time and often gave me good advice about the speaking business…and about life in general. In his passing, it’s no surprise that Larry left a precious gift on his way out–a simple act of kindness.

My friend David Humes emailed me about Larry’s death…and so we exchanged a few kind words about him. But in one email David said, “I spoke with him (Larry) a couple of days ago and everything was fine…” and then David said, “this is a reminder of how fragile life is and to be grateful for each and every day.” I really thought about this message. I’d heard this many times before, but for some reason, this touched me a little different.

On the one hand, I expect these thoughtful words from David…it’s the norm for him (he truly epitomizes the “Attitude of Gratitude”). But on the other hand, I swear I heard Larry’s voice coming through the message–thinking to myself, “even on his way out he’s showing a little kindness.”

Well, who knows… Whatever the case, isn’t it so true–life is precious and can end any moment for any of us. But for so many, we live life moving too fast and in a way that we don’t really enjoy the precious moments.

It often takes the passing of somebody close to remind us–once again–to slow down, be grateful for life and to live and love the precious moments; and not to squander the precious time we have with the people we love and with this beautiful world God has given to us.

If you’re at odds with someone you love or have a lot of stress in your life, I want to encourage you to take time to sort it out–at least to the degree that it doesn’t take away from you and them finding peace and joy in this precious short lifetime that can go away any moment.

Finally, if you have a moment, say a little prayer for Larry’s family…that they find peace and comfort even in this difficult time. Also, ask God to pass on to Larry: “thanks for the simple act of kindness that he left on his way out–reminding us all how precious life is.”

Rest in Peace brother Larry.

Kev
P.S. Thanks David

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