“It was worship.”

Most of us won’t leave a prayer journal behind like Isaac’s. But by the way we live, each of us, this day, can leave a journal entry on the heart of someone else.

We treasure notes from people who were touched by Isaac’s life. The marks he left on others are perhaps his most compelling journal entries. Below is an entry in the visitor’s book from Isaac’s recent art show. I’m sharing it in part because it’s anonymous.

O God, make my life a prayer to you.

“I’m still not sure I’ve processed the fact that Isaac isn’t here anymore. I can still see his bright eyes, wide smile, rosy cheeks. Every time I walk to the VAC, I still hope I will see you in the studio. I miss watching you work. For you, I don’t think it was work. It was worship. You were consumed by passion — not for painting, not for art — but for God. Your gaze was always set on him. It directed your every move. Your devotion to the Lord still inspires me. Never have I met someone who embodies the fruits of the Spirit the way you did. All of them. All the time. I miss your wise words, your stillness. I miss our long, late night debates over art or theology or whatever else. I miss rooftop picnics. I miss dancing. You were a terrible dancer, but I loved dancing with you nonetheless. I miss getting so caught up in conversation that we would miss wrong turn after wrong turn after wrong turn … Isaac you were truly special. I don’t understand why God would take someone who was so beautifully serving His Kingdom here on earth, but I have never been so sure that I will see someone again when this short life has come to an end.

“See you soon.”