A Life of Compassion

I met him when I was 5 years old. He was a giant in my eyes, and his smile was just as big. I recited scripture to him for awana. Hoped he'd be proud of my participation in the three legged race, and always needed one last hug before I went home. He always had that big grin, easy style, and unpretentious demeanor. He was John Witucke.

His hugs were enveloping - he'd squeeze the stuffing out of you, and it was obvious he cared for you. Everyone felt like someone special with Mr Witucke. Whether you knew him from church, awana, or he was your grade school phys.ed teacher, you knew he cared for you.

As I grew older, and out-grew awana, I saw less of Mr Witucke. Although he always walked by the house on his way to church on Sundays. I'd see him - still larger than life, Bible in hand walking to the morning service. I remember in those interim years, thinking he had a certain something different about him. He seemed to have the kind of faith that was palpable. As if you could really see Jesus standing next to him, talking to him like a friend. When I returned to church at 14, he was there. Big hug at the ready, recognizing me right away. Nothing could have made me feel more welcome than his smile and hug. I heard him talk about his faith, the church he loved, and his kids. I respected his opinion and took stock in what he had to say. I know I didn't know him all that well - but he is one of the people who stands out to me in my faith journey. A pillar of what it means to live a life of compassion. Even when you messed up, Mr Witucke was quick with a hug and a word of grace and forgiveness. He grieved freely and loved without restraint.

Mr Witucke went home to the Lord Sunday after a battle with cancer. His visitation yesterday was a testament to who he was. A legacy of awana kids all grown up, school kids with kids of their own, church families with memories long and deep of John. I've always found it a strange dicotomy when a believer dies. My heart aches for just one more Mr Witucke hug. One more glimpse of that smile. At the same time I have amazing assurance that Mr Witucke is with his Lord and Savior. Mr Witucke is walking with Jesus, finally.