The Measure of a Life

Life can be measured in many ways: by the number of years that one lives, by what a person has, by what a person does, by who a person is, and by a myriad of other methods of measurement.

Peter Marshall is credited with this quote: “The measure of life is not its duration, but its donation.”  Steve Nash, a retired professional basketball player, has stated: “I believe that the measure of a person's life is the effect they have on others.”

Consider the life of Eloise Crews from one of her many admirers:

Mrs. Eloise is one of my heroes!!

As a small child I remember going to the Crews home for Sunday lunch after church with my family on several occasions.  She was hospitable!!

When my sister became ill and it was evident that she would not live until Christmas, Mrs. Eloise helped make Christmas happen for our family in a hospital room in early December.  She was compassionate!!

As a young teacher, Mrs. Eloise sought me out to encourage and help me in any way.  We worked on several service projects together.  She was an encouraging servant!!

As time went on, sweet notes and occasional phone calls came to keep me inspired in my Christian walk.  She was a Christian example!!

When Ed had the stroke, she had recently been diagnosed with cancer.  We kept in constant touch with each other, but through all the pain, she continued to show comfort and compassion to us through phone calls, visits, cards and special treasures.  She was loving and faithful!!

As weakness took over her body, she continued to offer words of strength and encouragement to me as a caregiver and in my recent emergency surgery and recovery.  I could never outgive Mrs. Eloise; I tried but she was always ready with a new treat or gift and lots of kind words.  She was a role model in my life!!

I know she has blessed the lives of many in our church family.  We had several talks recently regarding being physically weak and sick and having to miss worshiping with the saints on the Lords Day.  She truly missed that more than anything and was so grateful for the times she could be present over the last few months.  I am thankful for her love and for God putting her in my path as a lifelong friend and mentor.   She was a genuine Christian example!!

She knew where her hope was!!!  She was ready for heaven.  She lived a beautiful life.  Thank you, Mrs. Eloise!!

Much love, Cathy McGaughy

I believe the greatest measure of a person’s life is how one helps others see Jesus more clearly.  Eloise Crews was a splendid example of this measurement; for she certainly helped others see Jesus.

Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” and “no one comes to the Father except through Him” (John 14:6).  He is the only One who can save us from our sins and give us eternal life, for He is the One who died on the cross for our sins (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7).

God will save those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  The blood that Jesus shed for the redemption of man will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

Who has helped YOU see Jesus more clearly?  Thank God for them – and honor them by following Jesus faithfully.

Won’t YOU follow Jesus and influence others to do so, too?

-- David A. Sargent

* In loving memory of Eloise Crews, a dear sweet sister in Christ, January 19, 1931 – October 20, 2015.  Until we meet again.

David A. Sargent, Minister