No Need to Run Off

I’ve learned that life doesn’t have a rewind button, a code for unlimited chances, or an option to reset and redo.

Recently, our neck of the woods laid to rest a mountain of a man that was a fixture in the community, a beacon of Godliness in the church world, a patriarch of my best friend’s family, a faithful friend to many – myself included – and just an all around good guy. When we placed Jerry Johnson in the ground that day, along with the casket was placed a little piece of the hearts of countless folks. However, as it was pointed out during the funeral service by the three ministers honored to speak on such an occasion for such a man as Jerry Johnson, the only way he’ll ever really be gone is if we forget all we learned and gained from him and refuse to pass it on. The title of this piece is a catchphrase that Jerry would unwaveringly share when you had been at his house to visit and it came time to leave – “No need to run off.” Since his passing and other recent events, I am learning that this truth applies not only for a quick visit to a friend’s house but for a number of events that happen in the blink of an eye, sometimes without much thought about the weight of the moment. Allow me to share a few.

I love to introduce kids to the wonder of the outdoors. I’ve been privileged to share my deer stand and my boat with scores of kids that I met in my classroom at school, and the memories I have of those outings are still vivid in my mind. The most precious memories I have of introducing youngsters to the joys of nature, however, are those I have of my own children eagerly anticipating and enjoying hunting and fishing with Dad. When they were little and learning, it was a given that they would be in the passenger seat rearing to go, and I guess I just thought those days would last forever. Unfortunately, they don’t. Now that my kids are grown and mostly gone, I find myself reflecting on days gone by and whispering to myself, “No need run off.” But run off they do – and more quickly than I ever thought.

With this year’s hunting season upon us, I find myself yearning for a session of therapy with Doctor Treestand and his trusty assistants Nurse Sunset and Technician Cool Breeze! And from past experience, I know that in the blink of an eye I will be sitting in the stand for what I know will be the last time until next year somewhat waiting for a deer to walk out, but primarily taking in all the sounds, sights, and subtleties of the great outdoors. As the sun fades from yellow to orange to pink and finally waves goodbye, I will be thinking to myself, “No need to run off.” And yet it will anyway.

I turned 45 years old last week, and if the typical days for a man in my family hold generally true for me, I have more than half of my life in the rearview mirror. I’ve learned that life doesn’t have a rewind button, a code for unlimited chances, or an option to reset and redo. There are many occasions that are fun to recall but will never come again, and often Jerry’s catchphrase runs through my mind as I get back to reality – “No need to run off.” And so, knowing we get one shot at this stage we call life, I find myself with an increasing desire to pour more of myself into those I have opportunity to influence in a positive way. I find myself more aware these days of the brevity of a moment, attempting to make the most of every opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s day. Who knows – perhaps the Lord will grant me the privilege of leaving my footprints on one or two lives to the extent that when my time comes to walk away temporarily or fly away permanently, the thought crosses their minds – “No need to run off.”

As this writing comes to a close, allow me to encourage each reader to soak in every moment that stirs your inner being. Find yourself aware that each special moment has the potential to be the last of its kind. Smile at those young ‘uns when they are noisy and full of questions. Watch that sun sink below the horizon until it is all the way gone. Stop and enjoy the breeze when it hits you at just the right time. And find yourself thinking in those moments, “No need to run off.” And then down the trail or the creek one day we’ll swap stories and laughs about life and the reality of how there’s “No need to run off.” And of course I’ll see you…In the Great Outdoors.