As I’ve told you in previous posts, it’s too easy to point out the negative aspects of life in a small town and I would prefer to instead highlight the positives as I experience them.  Last weekend, in the midst of the Christmas holiday season, I attended the funeral of a fellow St. Clarian that I wish I would have known better.  I’ve known the two sons of Rev. Earl Feddersen, Dan and Joel,  since the good old days of junior high school (for those that know me, that’s a long time!), but I doubt that their Dad and I said more than 3-4 sentences between one another.  Without that time together, you would think I would feel a little under-qualified to speak about Rev. Feddersen, but it seems that the evidence of an unselfish life that Earl left behind for all of us sets the mark that we as citizens of St. Clair should try to emulate

I’ve always held the opinion that as a man is dying, his true wealth is usually indicated by the family and friends that surround them in the end.  I can honestly tell you that in all the years I’ve attended funerals, I’ve never pulled up to the church parking lot and attendants tell me the parking lot is full and they’re using a shuttle bus to move people from an alternate parking area.  In a town of our size, that is evidence of Earl’s true wealth in life.  He touched the lives of so many people in our town that they came in droves to pay honor to him.  Though countless marriage ceremonies performed, touching funeral services presided over, thought-provoking and memorable sermons, little league coaching, community service, and just plain showing love, Earl Feddersen will be remembered as a man who made a positive difference in his community.

One of the pastors presiding over Earl’s memorial service said that often you can see what kind of a man a person is by the sons or children they leave behind.  Earl’s sons are two of the finest gentlemen that I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.  Good husbands, good fathers, community contributors, patient, good friends.  It’s how they were taught.  And I know they will pass that on to their own children, continuing to spread the memory of Earl beyond all of us.  So my question to all of us, the citizens St. Clair, is are we doing the same?  Are we showing, by the evidence we’ll leave behind, that we are thinking a little less of ourselves and more about others?  Do we show love more than hate?  Do we impact others around us or remain “takers” rather than “givers”?  Are we shaping our children to be the next Earl Feddersen, or are we teaching them to be negative and unable to serve their fellow man?

If you want St. Clair to be the kind of place you’re proud to reside, it’s time to write some new chapters in the book of your life that speak about the service you contribute and the love you share.  Rather than complaining about the city you live in, find ways to improve it and serve it.  Rev. Feddersen was one man, and he made a huge impact.  Can you imagine what would happen if a majority of St. Clair attempted to follow his example?

Have fun in heaven Earl.  :)