I did this piece last summer for a funeral. Yes, I said a funeral. A friend of mine died as a result of an accidental drowning while on a trip to Costa Rica. Today, he would have been 23 years old.

Matt, a lover of God, people and music, held a place in the hearts of almost every person he met. The impact he had at such an age continues to astound me. Upon meeting him, you would have found him to be intriguing to say the least. He loved conversing and could hold up his end of an argument whether he agreed with his own argument or not. He enjoyed making people feel welcome and often shared a certain joy.

Matt was by no means perfect, but he aspired to make an impact in the lives of the people around him. It still encourages me to remember his journey. When we were children, I remember him as a mischievous little blond-haired boy. Upon growing into a young man, he was still mischievous, but with a twist.

If Matt was such an ordinary guy, how then did he make such an impact on the people he met? Simple, he knew God. He allowed God to change and mold his character. Believe me, that's easier said than done, I know. Following God takes perseverance and dedication, on both I usually falter (and humanly so), but somehow God continues to more than make up for my short comings. That's the beauty of how God works. We don't work alone. He gives us strength. He doesn't let us go alone.

I'm sure Matt didn't have a clue how many people he actually reached or impacted. He just walked forward and did what he felt God wanted him to do.

Matt has left us a challenge: Make an Impact.