Date: 9/29/2009
<br>Author: Devin
<br>Title: Evan
<br><br>“Why?” ..... such a small word for such a big question.  Once again, our small community is in grief  and asking itself the un-answerable question.  Yesterday, the family of 17 year old Evan Davis laid him to rest under a bright-blue-clear sky.  None of us were supposed to be standing in the middle of a cemetery on this day.  You see, all the teen-agers were supposed to be in school, all the adults were supposed to be at work, and just a few moments before, the Centerville Church of Christ auditorium was supposed to be empty.  No doubt, that auditorium was full the day before because the day before was Sunday, the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, the day we believe God intends for us to gather together to remember and honor his Son.  But the following day, Monday, is supposed to be reserved only for the sound of vacuum cleaners and window cleaning ..... not for the sounds of mourning.  But alas, most of us have come to the very difficult understanding and realization that the way things are supposed to be, and the way they are, are two entirely different things.  <br><br><br>I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to please pray for Brad, Kathy, Lauren, Savannah, and Barrett.  I want you to please pray for the grandparents, especially Bill and Betty Davis of this community.  I want you to pray for the aunts, uncles and cousins.  I want you to pray for all the young people who filled that auditorium and graveyard in honor of their buddy.  As a matter of fact, I tell you what, while you are at it, just pray for us all.  You see, in a small town like Centerville, everybody pretty much knows everybody.  In a small town like Centerville, though you may have your own children, you feel like you have many, many more.  You feel like you almost have as much responsibility to try to raise and protect you children's friends as you do your own children ..... and I don't for one minute think that's a bad thing.  I firmly believe in the adage that it “takes a village to raise a child”.  Now, I don't think that means that I can shun my responsibility as a parent to my own children and push them off on their school teachers, coaches, or someone else.  But I do believe it means that we are all in this together as parents, grandparents, and guardians of  the most precious asset this town has.  I want to say thank you for watching out for mine ..... and another thank you for the honor of being able to look out for yours.    <br><br><br>At times like these, the silver lining seems to be more difficult to spot, especially for those who are looking for it the hardest, but lets at least give it a try ..... Evan was raised by a good Christian mom and dad.  Evan was part of a good congregation of the Lord's people.  Evan was blessed to live in a wonderful community where encouragement and love abounded on every corner.  Evan had more friends than you could count on a hundred hands.  But, above all, Evan believed in, trusted in, and put his faith in God.  He exemplified that belief some 7 years ago when he accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized.  Even at such a young age, Evan understood, at least to some degree, that there was something beyond the here and now.  I hope that's a lesson we can all learn, especially our young people, because the here and now sometimes is shorter than we think.  God bless the Davis family.<br><br>Go the extra mile - Devin     <br>