Read: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
My heart rejoiced in all my labor . . . . And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. —Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
Bible In One Year: Leviticus 6-7; Matthew 25:1-30
A friend told me that he feels closest to God when he's the busiest. He explained that when demands are the greatest, he finds himself most reliant on the Lord's strength. He pointed out, however, that unless he takes time for daily worship, his work can quickly become an escape.
Many people engage in activity for activity's sake and use busyness as a device to avoid facing reality. Just as alcohol can deaden the senses to personal relationships, family obligations, and community responsibilities, so also constant work can be a narcotic. It dulls our sensitivity to the deeper issues of life.
About 3,000 years ago, the author of Ecclesiastes discovered this. He sought satisfaction by busying himself with building houses and planting vineyards. But then as he thought about the work he had done, he realized it was full of emptiness (2:10-11).
We can make the same mistake, even in the name of the Lord. Could this be the reason some of us try to keep the church running by our own efforts but forget that fulfillment comes only from hearts full of God? Are we laboring without those vital times of worship and reflection? If so, it's time now to worship before we get caught again in the trap of working merely for work's sake. —Mart De Haan
You might remember the recent blast in Afghanistan at an ammo dump our troops were clearing, with several American soldiers dead and wounded.
That event has involved my older son, Steve, who many of you know is a Physician Assistant, professor teaching PA's at Nova Southeastern University, and that he is in DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team).
For relaxation, he joined the Florida Police Pipe and Drum Corps, becoming a regular drum player after just 6 months instead of the usual more than a year before auditioning for a permanent position.
They perform nationally and internationally, and often in Florida for ceremonies involving police and fire personnel. Last week, they became the Honor Guard for the family of one of the deceased at a funeral held for him in Davie, Florida, a suburb of Ft.Lauderdale.
First, here is a Sun-Sentinel newspaper writeup about the deceased hero, much loved and respected in his community.
Davie police officer was Afghan blast victim
By Rafael A. Olmeda and Thomas Monnay
Staff Writers
Posted January 31 2004
Curtis Mancini, a Davie police detective and college firearms instructor, told his mother he wanted to serve in Afghanistan so his children wouldn't have to.
Mancini, 43, was one of seven American soldiers killed Thursday morning in an explosion at a weapons cache in the city of Ghazni, roughly 90 miles southwest of Kabul. The U.S. military is continuing its investigation into whether the explosion was an accident or a booby trap.
On Friday, Mancini's three children were devastated and his parents struggled to come to grips with the sudden loss. His fellow officers wept openly for a fallen colleague and friend.
John Mancini [his father],who served in the Army for 35 years and retired as a sergeant-major, said he understood why his son, a sergeant first class, wanted to serve in Afghanistan.
"He told his mother, `I need to do this now so that my children and other people's children won't need to do it later.' He was a soldier's soldier," the father said.
While on leave last fall, Mancini said his son gave him a bottle of Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch, but he refused to open it.
"Curtis," Mancini recalled saying, "I'm not going to drink this until you come back."
The two men agreed they would wait until they could enjoy it together, along with a fine cigar.
The bottle now sits in a cabinet in a spare room in the Lincoln, R.I., home where Curtis Mancini grew up. John Mancini hasn't made up his mind whether he'll ever open it.
The Defense Department did not release details about the casualties Friday because not all the families had been notified. News of Mancini's death came from police and the family.
Curtis Mancini, who owned a home in the unincorporated Pine Island Ridge community within Davie, had been with the Davie Police Department since 1987. His fellow officers wandered in shock on Friday.
Lt. Brad Carney broke down in tears before he could say a word about his oft-decorated friend.
The flag outside the police department was at half-staff, and Mancini's picture was posted on a blue makeshift wall in the lobby, reminding the 250 employees of the man who went from trainee to narcotics detective, and ultimately to service as a training officer in the Department of Professional Standards.
He also served as an adjunct faculty member at Miami-Dade Community College, Broward Community College, and St. Petersburg Community College, and was certified in firearms instruction.
Mancini's son, Mike, is a recent merchant marine graduate. His daughters, Sara and Kristin, are students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. His ex-wife, Dawn, lives in Dania Beach. All were too grief-stricken to comment.
"The message they want me to bring is that they're proud of Curt, not only for his police service but also for his military service," said Davie Police Chief John George. "They want the world to know that he loved his country. He made the ultimate sacrifice to give his life for this country."
Just two days ago, administrators at the BCC police academy were talking about how they hoped Mancini would make life easier for them when he returned from service. No one expected to be talking about his death.
"We were anxiously awaiting his return. He was a very capable and very reliable person," said Joyce Ware, interim director of criminal justice training. "I wouldn't consider him replaceable because along with capability you also have personality."
"He would walk in a room and he would light up the room," said Lt. Bill Bamford, a department spokesman. "He was such a positive influence on our department. The image and knowledge he conveyed to the police officers and the experience he shared with them is truly invaluable."
Davie council member Judy Paul, who knew Mancini, said, "He's the type of person who makes your police department very outstanding. It's a loss to the town; it's a loss to his family."
Davie Mayor Tom Truex called Mancini "a hero who died for his country" and said he would be greatly missed by the Davie community.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4207.
Curtis Mancini
The Davie Police Department badge is covered by a black band See larger image (Sun-Sentinel/Michael Laughlin) Jan 30, 2004 Copyright © 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel =======================================================
If you remember the funerals in New York City for fallen police and firemen by the Pipe & Drum Corps, you can form a mental image of how this service was conducted - and then some.
Steve related they first formed up and led the limousine with the family as it drove to the Auditorium where it was held.
Every foot of the way, policemen from all over the state lined at attention, saluting, on either side of the street.
Reaching the Auditorium, they led the family on foot through the entrance room, a long hall, and into the packed Auditorium - again lined all the way with comrades at attention. Their drum accompaniment resounded with dramatic thundering throughout the silent (and tearful) journey indoors.
It was difficult emotionally beyond description for all involved in this brotherhood, and for Steve. He drew upon his early years as a military brat, ROTC years, and his own police service in the 1980's in Florida, fighting not to break down.
There were over a thousand mourners, and many units, honoring their own and a military hero, and the procession included the riderless horse.
Especially moving were the speeches by his son and two daughters, totally 'together' and loving and appreciative.
This surely is a story of a life well lived....
Rus, I have a wonderful photograph of the riderless horse Steve took. Can you upload and post it if I e-mail it to you?