Today is March 8th… a date that will not be easily forgotten by this red head. Yes, it’s International Women’s Day, but more important to me — it’s the anniversary of my Papa’s passing two years ago on March 8, 2014.
Although I had visions of grandeur in writing an amazing blog about my amazing Papa, after driving 9 1/2 hours yesterday my back is pounding with pain (the excruciating kind) so this will have to be brief.
My brother and I visited our parents’ grave this morning. We rejoice that they are together with Jesus in the Presence of Everlasting Love (& that their suffering is over) but we miss them. Lots. Lots and lots. Lots and lots and lots and LOTS! There are huge holes in our hearts and lives … yet their love continues to live on in us. We are blessed that the love of Jesus they shared with each other, and with us (& so many) lives on in us, too.
‘Cause that’s the thing about my dad. When people walked in the door, they felt loved. “How are you, really?” And, he really wanted to know. He tended hearts for the Kingdom, planting seeds of love, the agape kind, and gently watched them grow.
Papa was not one for harsh judgement — he liked to get people into the Word of God, and see God at work, changing hearts, changing lives.
He called himself a “sweet little ‘ole brown-eyed pastor.” You just had to watch it when he cut those brown eyes at you …he had a way of getting you to want to do things for God (& for him.)
Although he couldn’t move anything (even to wipe his nose) he had such gratitude. Not a day went by he didn’t thank us, profusely… and tell us how much he loved us. (And, you should have heard what he said to Mama! egads, the mush police ran out of ticket paper!!)
oh, Papa, we miss you!!! (& Mama, too…)
grace, peace & full hearts
Virginia
P.S. These verses from Isaiah 40:27-31 are referenced on Papa’s grave – not just because he loved eagles, but as he became weaker & weaker, the spirit of God soared & did truly amazing things in & through him. (“I can’t but He can … and all that : )
“Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God?’ Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
grace, peace & remembered joy
Roses in the Rubble 