As I rested on one side of the basketball court trying to catch my breath, I couldn’t help but notice the middle school team practicing on the other side. I was fresh out of high school getting ready for my first year of college. Before I knew it their coach came over to introduce himself.
He asked me to help him coach his girls. To be honest, that was the last thing I wanted to do. I wanted to finish my shooting routine then go home and eat. I felt my stomach growl and everything inside of me was screaming no, but the word that came out of my mouth was yes. I didn’t realize exactly what I was saying yes to or why I even said it.
Later I realized I was saying yes to so much more than just helping a group of girls become better basketball players. I was saying yes to growing closer to God. With a simply yes my life was about to change. That yes opened a door for God to do a huge work in my life.
That middle school coach was Craig Gallegos. For you who didn’t know who he was, this is the best way I can describe him in a short paragraph:
His life was centered on The Truth. He was obedient and focused on God’s plan and had a hunger for the Word. He was a light and he radiated God’s love everywhere he went. He was a young life leader and was passionate about the youth. He was a missionary at heart. He had gone on missionary trips before; one being a three-month trip to Costa Rica. He talked a lot about that trip and at one point had my mom and I ready to pack our bags and get on a flight.
Exactly 6 years ago from today, at age 23, Craig passed away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I never had to deal with a death in my life before. Not with someone I was so close to anyways. I was sad that he was gone but I also knew where he was and that he was finally home.
Craig was a vessel and I’m so glad he obeyed God and spoke truth into my life. He motivated me to pursue God and love God on a deeper level. He showed me first hand, how to lay my life down for Christ.
It’s not a coincidence that I’m in Costa Rica right now serving God’s children. I am in this beautiful place that Craig loved and doing what He loved to do. This is such a special day to me. I know God is reminding me of that sweet moment when I said yes. I stood on the basketball court ready to say no and follow my selfish desires but I said yes. That’s all I had to do. God was waiting for that moment He knew would come. He cares so much about me that He put a block on the path that I was headed towards and started to lead me on His path, the true path of righteousness.
Craig is gone but has fulfilled his purpose on this earth. I’m sure God was proud of him and the way he lived his life. It was all for the glory of God. That’s the life I want to live. That’s the example I want to be.
I am so thankful for the work of God’s servants here on earth. The servants who shine bright, who live out Gods calling on their lives. We all need a Craig in our lives. Someone to push us and encourages us to grow closer to God. In the end that’s all that really matters. Our relationship with Christ is number one and always should be.
Today I am reminded of a special person and I thank God for him and every other servant God uses to expand His kingdom.
