Friday, June 13, 2008

Farewell, Tim

This afternoon, as most of you know, it was announced that journalist Tim Russert died at age 58. I never paid too much attention to Tim as he was always covering the political scope of our world and, well, politics bore me. But Tim's death has touched me today and this is why: he was seemingly untouchable. Tim Russert had reached the pinnacle of his career. He was greatly respected by his peers and feared by many that he interviewed because HE WAS THAT GOOD.

People always say that, "When it's your time, it's your time." To me that phrase is almost identical (and just as useless) as the infamous, "Because I said so." Neither one gives me any answers and, oooo, that drives me nuts! But Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." I'm learning that sometimes I have to be satisfied with the things I do know and let go of the huge, haunting questions that will never be answered in our lifetime - the whys.

So, in closing, according to statements provided by his colleagues, this is what I do know about Tim Russert: He was a hard worker and he loved his job. He was an excellent journalist. He sought out the truth, the facts. He had a ton of friends in a dog-eat-dog career, which speaks volumes for his character. And I know that while life will go on without him, it won't be the same.

Please, say a prayer for his wife, Maureen, and his son, Luke, today.

P.S. Happy Father's Day, Daddy! I miss you!

3 comments:

mom said...

Jennifer, You wrote an awsome article the great Tim Russert. I am totally breathless. Great has given you such a wonderful talent. Dad read it and said that's a DARN GOOD ARTICLE. We're both so proud of you. Love you always, Mom

Anonymous said...

Jennifer,
I have always read your work and been a huge fan. But something is different now. You're writing brings me so much peace, as if it is coming directly from the Lord yet at the same time it is completely your voice. As I read, I can close my eyes and see you saying those things. This article was right up there with Andy Rooney on 60 minutes, or Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story"---so matter-of- fact yet so, spiritual! I love your writing! It is unlike any other and I have read many! I so look forward to the next blog. I have no doubt that you are going to just soar. All it took was the opportunity and the confidence to spread your wings. And in regards to oyur P.S., he is looking down on you right now and bursting every button he has. You have given him and our heavenly Father a wonderful Father's Day! I love you!
B

J. M. Hochstetler said...

Jen,

Jay and I watched news reports of his death and this morning Meet the Press, and he obviously was all those things you describe. And he was a Christian! Isn't that wonderful? God used him to touch a lot of lives in his 58 years. How many people can say they accomplished as much?

Although I know his family must be hurting, and I know they need our prayers for God's comfort, they know where he is and that they'll see him again. That's something non-believers can't say. We're just so incredibly blessed that for us death isn't the last word!