A lot of words can, and have been used to, describe Brian. The word that first came to mind for me is consistent. I first met Brian in a unique men's group I joined shortly after coming to faith. I'll be honest, the cynical New Yorker in me just couldn't wrap my head around him. He was just too good to be true. Over time I realized no one could be that consistently good without being genuine, but I never fully appreciated what a wise and kind servant leader there was in my life until he was gone.
Brian was consistently bright in everything from physical appearance to spiritual being. He was consistently full of energy, consistently caring, consistently positive, consistently encouraging, consistently faithful, consistently wise, consistently discerning, and consistently there to help. Brian was consistently everything I wish I could be.
At church, during a season of trial, I would sometimes become emotional. There would be an embrace, or a hand on my shoulder. It was consistently Brian. I regret not recognizing his greatness and grace from the start. I wish I got to know him better I did. I regret never fully appreciating what a kind and wise servant leader he was, until he was gone.
Brian's celebration of life was like nothing I ever experienced. So many people from so many different walks of life, and so many different times and places in Brian's life, touched so many different ways by one man. No, that's not right. Brian consistently touched people the same way. Only the circumstances changed.
My take away from that night is what I think Brian would want: Try to be a better man. He would never say it of course, but what I mean is, trying to be more like Brian. I will never come close, but in a way, he will be looking down at me as a reminder to work at it every single day.
