This past Saturday, I participated in an alumni memorial marching band during Tulip Time in my hometown of Pella, IA. It was to honor band director, Guy Blair, who passed away about a month ago. He came during my junior year of high school and was “instrumental” (pun intended) in ending my musical career on a high note. Sorry – too many puns…
He spent 32 years in his position and touched countless lives, as evidenced by the fact that about 300 alumni showed up to march (or saunter) behind the current award-winning Pella High Marching Dutch.
His awards and accomplishments with these bands throughout the years are far too numerous to list here. But a representative from the Pasadena Rose Parade was on hand to present an award of appreciation to Mr. Blair’s wife and his two daughters. That gives you an idea just how far-reaching his influence was. He took that many bands to the Rose Parade. Sadly, not my year. We went to S. Dakota. Sigh …
Honestly, we would be hard pressed to find someone with the kind of far-reaching impact that Mr. Blair had on the music business throughout the state and beyond. To say he was an icon would almost be an understatement.
Despite what an incredible influence he had in my own life during those last two years of high school, that’s not what I’m most touched by today.
When he and his family were in Florida, trying to figure out what was medically causing his pain and numerous other symptoms, his daughters kept us apprised through their Caring Bridge updates.
I read, through my tears, about the kind of spiritual leader he was for their family. About the most important lessons he taught them.
To quote his daughter after his funeral service, “A dad who impacted nearly every thread of my life – from my hobbies to my choice of career to our family life – but the biggest imprint is not on what I do, but rather my sense of who I am – a child of God. My dad reflected our Father’s love to me by being a safe place – always there with a listening ear and the absolute best hugs, supporting me endlessly in anything I ever did, and never passing up a moment to tell me he loved me or was proud of me.”
He nurtured in his daughters the most important identity they could ever have – being a child of God.
When this life is over, what will people remember about us? And especially, what will those closest to us remember? Will it be our accolades and rewards? Will it be our careers or the clubs we belonged to? Maybe for a few years.
But ultimately, I want to be remembered by the impact I had on the spiritual lives of others. I know I still have a long ways to go before that rises to the top of people’s remembrances of me. So, my prayer must be that people will see less and less of me, and more and more of Jesus through me.
That can only happen through God’s grace, and through our willingness to give him center stage in our lives.
Rest in peace, Mr. Blair. Your beautiful wife and daughters will carry on your spiritual legacy.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?
Or am I trying to please man?
If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10