I last saw David Morlan in 1989, when we graduated from high school. And yet, news of his death yesterday has struck me hard. Even in high school, I can't say that we were particularly close. He was handsome, popular and the all-around athlete. I wasn't. And yet, he was a friend. To many in the "lower" social strata high school, he was a protector and a friend. Perhaps it was his humility or his easy going ways. He cared and wasn't afraid to show it. I have a son who's in high school. If there was one person I would want him to emulate, it would be David.
We reconnected on Facebook. But it wasn't high school that bound us together; it was our common faith. We sent private messages encouraging each other in our faith journey. I prayed for his wife and daughters, whom I've never met. I prayed for the youth he pastored. We lamented that we weren't better friends in high school. For both of us, that was a lifetime ago, literally and figuratively.
I had hoped that I would be able to introduce David to my wife and kids the next time he was in S. CA. Our reunion will have to wait. Though he has passed and is experiencing the eternal glory of God, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion, selflessness and love.
Though many of our hearts ache, I find comfort in the assurance that David has run his race well and has been welcomed with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
If anyone's interested in supporting his family, please donate through this GFM link set up by David's brother. https://gf.me/u/y8ssrm
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