What matters most

what matters most. by chris morrow, major. it’s the people who come first in the salvation army’s ministry. sometimes—especially during the christmas season—a salvation army officer needs to pause, take a breath, and remember the reason for all that he or she does. about a month ago a man called the eugene (ore.) corps to ask if he could donate an electric piano with all the bells and whistles. i said “absolutely.”. after sharing some of his story, he asked if i would visit him. an easy reply would have been: “it’s the christmas season at the salvation army. can i come after the first of the year?”. instead, i said “yes,” because while kettles, toys and food are all important, people—and connecting with them—are most important in our ministry. i visited him on a wednesday in early december, and spent a wonderful hour and a half talking with him. he had been a member of gideons international for over 40 years, and had even spoken on its behalf at the eugene corps. we scheduled the piano pick-up for friday, dec. 6, but a big snowstorm hit, so we had to re-schedule for the following friday. he was ok with the change in plans. when we finally got the piano to the corps and positioned it on the platform, i took a photo to send him. i wanted him to know how excited i was and to thank him one last time, so i decided to call him. his wife answered the phone and told me that he had passed away. i got choked up and could barely speak, but i let her know that a picture was in the mail. on two other occasions, i did not act on what i knew in my heart was right, and people died unexpectedly. i lost that precious chance to talk to them one last time because i procrastinated. when god tugs on your heart, take heed. make the time and do what whatever it is. you will have fewer “if onlys” in life.