Monday Morning Boost: Farewell To He Who Was Truly “Better Than The Best”
The task must have been daunting.
It was the summer of 1985 and Lionel Kendrick of North Carolina and his wife Myrtis were tasked with shepherding several hundred young men and young women who had volunteered for missionary labors.
The Kendrick’s were assigned to a geographical area called the Florida Tampa Mission covering most of central and southwest Florida.
You’re not just good…
In December of that year, I was assigned to the Florida Tampa Mission.
I felt as lost as a range-riding cowboy without his horse when I traded in my boots and jeans for a white shirt and tie, a ten-speed bicycle becoming my trusted steed.
Though a greenhorn, I came with a desire to work and to learn, and President Kendrick began to mold me into something more than I saw in myself. Under his tutelage, I strived to be more than “just good.”
You’re not just great…
President Kendrick knew when to hold my hand, chastise my disobedience, strengthen my lack of faith, and commend my feeble efforts. Admittedly, some progress was made, and over the two-year assignment I strived to be more than “just great.”
You’re not even just the best…
President Kendrick’s religious service took him around the world for many years, but he always returned each spring for our mission reunion. His tutoring continued as he shared stories of faith and hope from his journeys. I was always inspired and over the past three decades I have strived to be more than “just the best.”
You truly are better than the best!
Last week this giant of a father figure finished his mortal journey at the age of 90.
We were blessed to spend an afternoon with President Kendrick and his lovely wife Myrtis back in January. When we arrived, he greeted me as he has every time: “How’s my Elder Cowboy?”
Though age had limited his walking, his trademark bear hug was just as firm.
We spent the afternoon in their home in Salt Lake, visiting, looking at photos, and sharing stories.
During our visit, President Kendrick asked Elisa to play his favorite hymn on their beautiful grand piano. The soulful notes of “How Great Thou Art” seemed to open the veil of Heaven just enough for the angels to listen in as she who has been my greatest miracle gently brought the melody to life with her forever love.
The veil has again been pierced and the angels have taken one of the best home to rest. Though, knowing President Kendrick, I doubt he’ll be resting too long!
Most people live by the stroke of time. Time is what we know; it is our great equalizer. Few discover how to truly live with charity, exhibiting true compassion for others through their use of time.
President Kendrick lived a life that brought the two elements together, time and charity, making them one. He loved me in such a way that I became a son and he became a father.
I continue to strive today to put his counsel altogether.
You’re not just good,
You’re not just great,
You’re not even just the best.
You truly are better than the best!
Have a Beautiful Monday! I love you, friends!
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to reflect on one who encourages you to be “Better than the best.”
Elisa and I shared a special Sunday Reflections yesterday in honor of President Kendrick. We hope you enjoy.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: A BETTER THAN THE BEST FATHER & SON
He became a father…
I became a son…
A nurturing relationship that lasted longer than the two years I served under his priesthood tutelage.
The father has now finished his journey and has gone home to rest in the love of the Eternal Father.
And this son continues his journey by the grace of the Eternal Son…
A journey to live the guidance distilled to be “Better Than The Best”.
L Lionel Kendrick was my mission president in my late teens, a lifelong leader and mentor, and a forever brother and friend.
I will forever cherish him as a father who loved me as a son.
Till the Father calls this son home…
God Be With You Till We Meet Again.
I Love you, President Kendrick.
Your Elder Cowboy
Click here to enjoy our musical presentation.
❤️❤️❤️
During our visit, President Kendrick asked Elisa to play his favorite hymn on their beautiful grand piano. The soulful notes of “How Great Thou Art” seemed to open the veil of Heaven just enough for the angels to listen in as she who has been my greatest miracle gently brought the melody to life with her forever love.
We hope you enjoy this beautiful arrangement by our friend Jason Tonioli.
Have a beautiful Sunday!
We Love You!
Les & Elisa
