My Grandpa: A Man After God's Own Heart

*** This morning, my Grandfather Herb passed away.  I can't tell you how conflicting my emotions are right now... I am overwhelmed with loss and at the same time I am overjoyed that he is with his Saviour.  My Grandfather's life was so rich, so full, so abundant in Christ Jesus, that our family cannot help but grieve that he has left us.  We will miss his quiet strength and his unfaltering devotion to his Lord.  His was a life of servanthood.***

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"  Matthew 24:21

My Dearest Grandpa,

My heart aches that I could not be by your side when you breathed your last breath.  I know that all of heaven was in that room.  My heart aches that I could not whisper my love to you and hold your strong hand.  I hope you heard my voice on the phone, I hope you felt my love through the Holy Spirit.  I hope you know how much your life has been a beacon for mine.

Grandpa, when I think of what a true man of God looks like, I think of you.  Always.  My earliest memories of you (and almost all of my memories!) involve the Word of God.  You would sit in your chair for hours and just read and meditate on your precious Bible.  Your face would light up and you would call us to your knee to tell us of the truths you were reading in God's Word.  Your soft eyes would take on an earnest light and you would ask us, "Joye, Jody, do you know if you're going to heaven?  Do you know that Jesus is the only way?  You can know right now...I would love to pray for you."  You were so kind, so compassionate, so full of the love of Jesus.  I never remember hearing you speak a harsh word!  You always maintained a quiet strength, a peaceful spirit!  That is a testimony in and of itself.

And the joy of the Lord, oh my dear Grandpa, you had it!  No matter how much pain you were in, you always had a sense of humor that could force even the Grinch to crack a smile.  You were always playing practical jokes on us and we loved it!  You had a passion for life that was wrapped up in the Gospel of Christ.  You never tired of sharing Jesus in EVERYTHING you did.

I cannot think of a single hobby that you had.  The thing you loved the most to do was read the Living Word of God!  I wish I could tell you what an impact that has made on my life.  I wish I could tell you how much I desire to follow in your footsteps, to forsake everything for the cross of Jesus!  You never sought after money or possessions.  Your life was lived solely for the Kingdom and I saw how God provided for you so faithfully!!  You lacked no good thing!  

I know that you are rejoicing in the presence of your Saviour--oh how you have longed for this day!  I can almost see the radiant joy on your face, I can almost hear the words of our Master and King saying to you as he pulls you into his embrace, "Well done, my good and faithful servant.  Well done!"

All my Love and all my gratitude for calling you 'Grandpa',

your granddaughter

***I will be attending my Grandpa's funeral this week, so I won't be blogging.  My love and prayers go out to all of you, though, and I look forward to catching up with you next week!***