My Dad’s life wasn’t without adversities. As most of you know, he became ill with Polio at 16 and Spent his 17th Birthday in an iron lung. Recovery was hard. He didn’t walk on his own after that. He spent his life in a wheelchair.
It is kind of funny though, as my brothers and sister spoke about that on Sunday, we discussed how we never really knew, as a kid, he was in a wheelchair. We realized in later years my Dad overcame the odds of his illness and met life head-on with great success.
My father was a very successful builder and developer. He started in the 1950′s and his work continued until a week ago Sunday when he was hospitalized. As a matter of fact, he built the homes, many of you are still living in today. During his career, my father earned those things that made his family very comfortable and was acknowledged time and time again for his accomplishments.
However, my father would not have me stand before you and tell you about his worldly accomplishments, for those did not matter to him.
What did matter to him was his love for the Lord and his Family. He was married to my mother for 56 years. I have heard several people over the past few days say the were inseparable. I believe that would describe them pretty well.
My niece, Rachel, wrote a school paper about them once. In the paper she wrote about how my Mom was my Dad’s first love at age fifteen. She described how they became serious after a few months to never date anyone else again.
Over the past few days, I had the chance to read a letter, my sister, wrote my Dad on his birthday. In the letter, my sister thanked him for being such a great Christian man and instilling those Christian values in her.
You see, what mattered most to my father was his love for the Lord. My Dad’s devotion to Jesus Christ, was more than a commitment. Jesus Christ was his lifeblood, and he was absolutely devoted to following His Word.
As I faced adversities in my life, I would turn to the advice of my Dad. My Dad was always able to give sound advice. He had such a way of doing that. It wasn’t intrusive and it made sense. His word was golden to me.
Time and time again, we would sit at his kitchen table, and he would pull out his bible and refer to God’s word. Without hesitation, he knew where to turn. He knew the bible. You see, his bible isn’t in pristine condition. As a matter of fact, it is kind of worn. It is getting to the point where it needs to be re-bound. The pages are filled with his handwriting. There are highlights of passages he studied. He loved studying the bible each morning with my mom. I only hope to have a bible as worn as his someday.
I want to share a story that happened during my Dad’s last week with us. This happened a few days before he was hospitalized. We were at the dinner table, sharing a family dinner, as we often did. It was myself, my two kids, Nick and Kayla, and my Mom and Dad. My Dad’s strength was down…. His voice was very weak. I know he was aware of his condition and the journey he was about to make to heaven. He asked everyone to stay at the table, because he wanted to share something.
He made his way to his study and back, and had an article torn from the newspaper. We were all curious. The article was by Billy Graham. As he read the article to my children, I listened to him struggling a little at times to get the words out. The article simply dealt with how to get to heaven and he wanted to make sure his grandkids had clear and simple instructions. You see, in his final days, he never complained. He continued to focus on the salvation of others.
As I prepared to speak today, I thought of what my father would say if he were STANDING here before you right now. Oh and by the way…. have no doubt…. TODAY he is standing again… He’s walking, he’s running and he is dancing.
Although I may not have the exact words, I am honored and privileged to stand in his place and tell you some of the things he might say.
First, To my Father’s Friends and Extended Family: He loved you all very much. My dad never met a stranger.
He would probably tell you the funny stories, like the time Jim Short threw his award winning fish back in the lake at the fishing derby. Or the time his brother Royce tried to throw him out the window. He would thank you for those funny stories and allowing his family to laugh about them for years.
As you all know, he would tell you don’t mourn but celebrate his death because it has lead to eternal life.
Second, To my Father’s grandchildren: Farrah…. Rachel…. Blake…. Brett…. Whitney…. Nick…. Kayla…. Macy…. You’re grandfather would say…. he is so very proud of each of you. He would tell you…. Enjoy your accomplishments in life….but don’t cherish or covet the things of this world, for they are not important. He would tell you…. Rejoice for him, because he is in heaven.
He might also point out some scripture to you….Although his favorite passages were in the new testament, he had highlighted a very fitting scripture in Joshua 1:9 It says…. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged; the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Third, To my brothers and sister, Gary, Jan and Greg and their spouses, and myself: Dad would remind us of two things …. He has left no doubt of how much he loves us… and also …. He has left no doubt… of where he has gone. He would tell us…. The time is near…. and life on this earth is very short. He would tell us…. to seek the truth….. to seek the Word of Jesus Christ. He would tell us…. CONTINUE to Seek the Lord, our God, with all of our heart and soul. He would tell us…. to be passionate, and to be absolutely relentless…. because he is helping to prepare our home in heaven and he wants us to get there safely.
Last, To my Mom: He wouldn’t tell you anything you don’t already know, because you two knew each other so well. However, he would remind you of a couple of things. He would remind you to live the rest of your time on this earth with passion and life. Also, he would remind you of his love and tell you “in light of all eternity” he will see you again very soon.
(In Prayer) Heavenly Father,
We gather in your name today to give thanks for the life of my Dad.
We thank you, that you sent your son Jesus…. So that we can overcome death and sin…..
Lord, we thank you, that we can have eternal life, and never have to say permanent goodbyes.
Lord, I ask you bring peace, to the family and friends, that are gathered here today.
I pray these things, in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ
Amen
