Sometimes life quietly reminds us just how fleeting it is.

We’re twenty; we’re forty; we’re sixty; we’re grey.

From an eternal perspective, our mortality on earth is indeed brief.

Last week, along with family and others who held him dear, I said goodbye to my special friend Raymond, who I’ve known for over 47 years.

These last few days, a montage of memories of him has flooded through my mind.

We each have a story.

He was a great friend, who felt almost like a second brother to me.

A man of deep Christian faith, who was well versed in the scriptures.

A lover of books, computers, family history, temple service and someone who loved a long conversation about life and eternity.

He worked tirelessly for his ancestors in the temple for many, many generations of the Byers family. He simply went quietly to work, and I am certain that those eternal ties will bring him much joy on the other side of the veil.

Throughout all those years, Raymond faced many physical challenges, yet somehow despite the adversities, he always found a way to get back up again and again.

There was an uncommon resilience in him.

He was quietly determined.

And filled with humour too.

Reflecting on our friendship this morning, I found myself thinking about how precious people really are.

From our many conversations and long journeys together, filled with laughter, teasing and little brotherly annoyances.

To the ordinary moments that have slowly become sacred memories over time.

Life moves quickly…too quickly.

Like a brief Scottish mist drifting across the hills… or a tiny will-o’-the-wisp flickering for a moment in the darkness… we are here for such a short time.

And perhaps one of the great lessons of days like today is simply this:

Love people while you have them.

Speak kindly.

Forgive quickly.

Take time for people.

Create memories.

…And never assume there will always be another opportunity.

I’ll miss you dearly Raymond.

I look forward to our runs together through the eternities.

Until we meet again, dear friend… 𝑨𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒖

Who might you need to appreciate a little more while you still can?