BEST DAY EVER
I write this post with a very heavy, but joyful heart. Today God has turned my sorrow into singing. After a difficult last minutes loss Thursday against one of our rivals, I was up at 4 a.m. struggling to sleep. It was just a game and I was dead set on praying for people I knew that were facing real life threatening challenges compared to my shallow pain.
As I waded through the deep waters full of friends and loved ones that are under the attack of pounding waves of the enemy, my heart came to my special friend Gary. Can you make a life impacting impression on someone in only one day? Gary did not only on me, but countless others. (See below as I posted a tribute of those peoples comments after meeting Gary)
Gary texted me Wednesday night the following text.
Hey brother please keep me in you prayers. Got Covid last week and been getting weaker. This morning my family found unresponsive and called 911. Trust me… starting your day with 5 men pumping on your chest… is very inspirational! I’m now in the hospital and they’re moving me to ICU. I would appreciate being put on Your Pray list.
I text a prayer full of the promises of God to which he replied,
“AMEN HALLELUJAH!! Thank you Donnie for a powerful word!!”
Who is Gary? On August 4th on our family vacation to Gulf Shores Alabama, We rented Gary’s Pontoon Boat. As my wife and kids stood at a pier with Gary approaching us, I saw the biggest and most joyful smile on the face of one of the most gentle-hearted and kind human beings I’ve ever met.
I often wonder what it will be like when I see Jesus face to face. I believe on August 4th, when I saw Gary, I saw the closest resemblance to a reflection of Jesus that I will see until that day I stand before Him in glory.
Gary says as he tosses the key to me, “Welcome aboard Captain Donnie. I only want to hear three words when you get back, “Best Day Ever”!
I expected a strict list of does and don’ts along with a long list of held responsible fears, but instead I received the words, “She’s yours for the day my friend!” Gary honestly showed us an unconditional and unearned trust that was heavenly. He cared about our family getting to experience a day of joy at a level we had never experienced, all while on his very nice pontoon boat. His value of us over his boat was so powerfully touching.
I thought, man this guy must be crazy rich to not worry about something happening to this boat. What I came to find out about Gary over the next 7 months was Gary was one of the wealthiest men I have ever met. I know your human mind and earthly value system just took over and all you could think about was dang this guy must be a billionaire. You see Gary’s story is one of earthly riches, losing everything, then God pouring out true wealth and riches.
On the way home from our vacation, I text Gary and just had to ask him. Do you know Jesus? Gary responded with “Do I know Jesus!”
In the last 5 months, I have never seen Gary again in person, but we became close friends through texting and calls. We read each other’s books and testimonies and teased each other over him being a Alabama fan, while I am a Sooner fan. I got a lot of Roll Tide text and smile face emoji’s. He would often send me amazing pictures of sunsets and sunrises on the ocean and just say the words, “Wishing my coaching friend a wonderful day, the best day ever!!”
Let me take you back now to Friday morning when I woke up after the difficult loss to our rival. I got up and went to the gym to blow off some steam and pray. After an hour of praying and pushing my body past where it wanted to go. I heard God say the words gently and quietly in my spirit, “Trust Me”. He would say it three times, then after a few minutes, I would hear it again just a little louder. This continued until I found myself saying the words out loud. I felt God’s presence and peace come over me very powerfully.
At 5 am I text Gary. “By His stripes you are healed! Keep the faith my friend!”
His response “Thank you for your Faith!!”
I asked him how he was doing. “I’m blessed, but in need of a miracle.” He shared that he was struggling to breath. I prayed over him again realizing things were even more serious than I had thought. His response, “We will do my brother”.
Throughout the day, I sent Gary words and songs of promise and encouragement. My last text to him was at 9:56 pm asking him “How was your day?”
His last and final text to me before passing through the pearly gates and walking into Jesus arms were:
“Donnie it was the best day so far!!!”
As only Gary could do, He had seemingly let me know that he had enjoyed his final “Best Day Ever” on earth and was entering into the “Best Day Ever” in heaven that will last for eternity!
Until I see you again in Glory.
Roll Tide my Friend!
Go to www.maximizeyourtalent.net to get a free download of his book and incredible story.
I compiled and combined many of the powerful reviews that Gary received on his boat site from his customers. Judge for yourself if Gary was able to be a shining star for His Savior Jesus.
The “best day ever on the water” was made even better with Gary. Gary is the best! He was beyond wonderful. Everything about today from booking to departing was a amazing. My family will forever and always remember this experience as one of our most favorite!!!! Thanks for making this a lifetime memory! Recommend 10 stars!!!!!! Gary is THE NICEST guy!!!
Gary was an all around awesome great person. Gary couldn’t have been nicer and more accommodating! Gary is amazing!!! Very friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. Gary is the best! So friendly, down to earth, you feel like he is family from the get go! Gary is a super nice person. Gary was so nice. Gary really helped make the experience awesome. Thanks again Gary, the kids are still talking about you and the boat!! Gary really made It feel special. His hospitality was off the charts & as Texans we appreciate that so much. His boat was clean, safe & we enjoyed every minute on it. He was hilarious, friendly, professional & overall genuinely an amazing, honest, kind person. It felt as though he was a long time friend of ours lol We miss the guy already Stop! Seriously. You found the right pontoon, the right man, the right experience! Gary is so personable and caring that you won’t leave this with a canned boat ride experience, but a heart full of memories and laughter. The absolute best time and most nice man ever. So kind and patient!!! Gary was fantastic and our day was perfect. Mr. Gary was super nice. Gary was down to earth and understanding!! Definitely who we are going to rent from every time!! Gary is so nice… I must do it again… thanks again for makin my birthday as awesome as it was… Gary felt like dealing with an old friend.