CELEBRATING DAN’S LIFE

Dan was just here.A week ago we could greet him and rap awhile and bask in the glow of Dan Snow. That favorite friend. The electrified teenager at home in the body of a grown-up. God’s man.

Dan was unique (and the Pope is Catholic).

In 1967, inBiloxi,Mississippi, Linda and Bill Snow were looking for their one and only child to arrive around August 27. He surprised them July 27. (They say that was the last time he was early.)He was surprising.

From day one, he was a people person. And he was a spontaneous walker. He never crawled or scooted. He chose his moment and took off, and really never stopped. He never stopped.

After seven years inIndiana, his family moved to the Conejo Valley of California[Don’t even think about moving back. Ever].He yielded his life to Jesus Christ at age nine, in Carpenteria."Jesus loves you. Jesus loves me. I am so proud to be part of God’s family."Dan, the people person, wantedeveryone to be a part of God’s family.

He connected with teens. He thrived with them. He offered himself daily to serve their needs, andsawthe work of Jesus Christ in their lives. Healing, maturing, strengthening. In Dan and Shawna’s home, their car, and their hearts there was always room for one more.

A friend introduced Shawna to Dan at Master’s College. They married in 1991. Together they were a bold example of God’s love in action and their family grew in a miraculous way.

Did you ever see Dan without a 32oz of iced tea? Always thirsty. Did his talk ever stray far from things of God? He was always thirsty! Get-down-on-your-hands-and-knees-and-drink-to-your-heart’s-satisfaction desperately thirsty for more of God.

His credos? Don’t follow fads.

Serve unconditionally.

Serve unconventionally.

Liveyour vision. (subcategory: Spew tons of ideas.)

If it’s true, be bold.

Will we ever know why God took Dan away last week? Someday. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe today is the day we will all be kneeling and declaring Jesus Christ Lord along side Dan, and we will no longer see things dimly.

Can we now love Shawna and Noelle,Aden, Mia, Ari and baby Shea, with the same faithful passion and care that Dan and Shawna have poured on us and our children for so many years? Lift them and their family up in prayer daily. Encourage them. Support them. Be faithful.

A friend mused, "I wonder what color Dan’s hair is in heaven?" What a crazy guy. Crazy, loveable, honest, trusting, singular…he was just here.