A life lived for Christ

Blessed be the man

 who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, 

nor stands in the way of sinners, 

nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so, 

but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement, 

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, 

but the way of the wicked will perish.

When I reflect on the life of my dad, the first picture I see is him sitting downstairs in our family room in front of our wood stove having devotions at 5:30 in the morning. He would get up at 5:30 in the winter, go downstairs to get the stove going to warm up the house and read his Bible and pray. Similar to my grandpa, he had a pile of papers which consisted of notes, missionary newsletters and prayer calendars that he would pray over everyday. During the summer, he would be in the living room upstairs, sitting on the couch having his devotions. I remember seeing him there early in the mornings and it made a huge impact on my faithwalk and the importance of spending time with God first thing in the morning. 

From the beginning of his day, he cultivated a love for Christ in himself and in our lives as well. We always prayed before meals, thanking God for his provision. Christian radio was often turned on; particularly on Saturdays when we would listen to programs like 'Unshakled', 'Adventures in Odyssey', 'Joni and friends', 'Focus on the Family', and one where different animals shared how God created them and for what purpose. While not on a daily basis, I remember many family devotions where we sat down in the living room upstairs. Dad would read the devotion or scripture and we would discuss it as a family. Since there were four of us and we tended to not always cooperate, I am sure we tested our parent's patience during these times. 

Going to church was a part of our Sunday morning routine. Dad was always the first in the car while the rest of us jumped in one after the other and mom came last with her earrings that still needed to be attached. Two things stand out to me as I think back. My dad was always smiling and visiting with everyone and anyone. From getting to church on time to being the last ones to leave, dad made sure that everyone who came was greeted. Because of his love of people and visiting, we were often the last ones out of church. Of course at the time, I wanted to leave much sooner. Looking back, it is a fond memory. 

I spoke with my dad for the last time last Sunday while he was on a hospital bed. He was thin and had oxygen hooked up to himself and breathlessly shared that he was "all played out". Anyone who knows my dad longer than a few minutes, knew that he was a bundle of energy and if he stopped and sat down for a length of time, would fall asleep. Seeing him looking so ill was really hard yet the last text message he sent to me on WhatsApp was earlier that Monday. I texted him that I was praying for him as I had heard he had a rough night. I told him he was welcome to call me if it did not tire him out too much. His response was "I am in God's hands. No better place." I knew that he was not long for this world and that my time with him here on earth was short. He passed that evening at about 6:30 into the arms of Christ, his Saviour. 

While I miss him dearly and will miss texting and calling him on WhatsApp, at the same time, I take comfort knowing that he is with Christ and no longer has to suffer the effects of sin and sickness. God be praised! 

While my dad will be remembered for his love of being outside, making us weed tree rows in the summer, his silly dad jokes, the way he danced with mom in the living room, his love of visiting, his love of kitties, chopping wood; even more will I remember his love of Christ and how his life was lived to shine the gospel for Christ. I am so thankful for the family that God placed me in and will look forward to seeing both of my parents again one day. 

Until we meet again. 

Much love, Karen