We have a dad in our middle school who puts up a new 'dad joke' on his window every week. Our middle school students love it! They have even contributed to his collection.
When I was still living at home with my family (I think I was in my early 20's), I had a friend, Jeanine over for dinner. My dad was in his element sharing his funny antidotes and stories with her which was making her laugh uprourisly! Which, of course, was his ultimate goal! To make those around him laugh. I remember myself and my brothers groaning and saying, "Not again!" We had heard these stories and jokes so many times before!
I have been missing my dad this week. His smiles, jokes, stories, just being able to call him on WhatsApp and to talk about life (my students, friends, his Bible study group, neighbors, what Josh is doing or Nathan and Jen, cooking, garden tales, etc.). We would typically talk for at least an hour and many times go well over 2 hours. During the week, I would send photos and text messages and he would respond.
Last week, I found out a dear friend had passed away in September. He was a father figure in my life who was a godly husband and father, a strong fixture in the church where I grew up and also full of fun and loved pulling mischievious pranks. When I was in the traveling choir at Hillcrest, I accidentily left one of my shoes at the church in Succasanna, NJ. They sent it to our church in Wtn and this man got a hold of it first. He tied one knot after another in that shoe and I remember smiling and laughing as I sat on the floor undoing all of his knots. John worked nights, yet I remember him being at church on Sunday after getting off his night shift to worship, even times when his family was not able to come. When I was a sophomore and my parents signed me up for another year at Lutheran Brethren Christian School held in our church, he was my Bible teacher. I remember digging into Psalm 23 and 91. He was intelligent, gifted with many talents (electricity, woodworking, humor, and so much more) but even more, I remember his dedication to Christ. I miss having conversations with him and swapping books to read and discuss.
Yesterday, I heard another precious man, Jim, who was also a father figure to many, godly husband and father, and also a part of the church I grew up in. I remember him teaching one of my Sunday School classes when I was younger. We watched one of the Jesus movies as we talked over Jesus life and ministry while he was on earth. He and his wife, Wanda had four children at the time and were parents that were involved, influential in the lives of their own children and others within the church. They were also a part of the Lutheran Brethren Christian School that began in the basement of our church and Jim was our science teacher during my Sophomore year.
When our church had special events during the week or on Sunday evening (Vern Baardson, Special Delivery, Pioneer Club, Riddles the Clown, and so much more), my parents made sure we were in attendance. These men and their families were also there.
It has been hard to think of the fact these godly men are no longer here. I thought of Psalm 103, verses 14-16; "For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more." Our lives are so short and future generations forget those lives past that mean so much to us. But then verse 17-19; "But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." God is eternal and sovereign. When I am hurting and grieving and missing my dad and others who have deeply impacted my life, I can cling to truths from scripture. God is the author of my story and He is a good God. I can trust Him with my life. "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. " Psalm 16:8-11.
I was listening to Revive our Hearts this morning and they played Andrew Peterson's song, Is He Worthy? and I wanted to share it with you here. The lyrics are so powerful as we know that our world is broken, dark, that creation is groaning (Romans 8:22) then goes to worshiping God because He is worthy. It is a beautiful reminder and speaks truth to our hearts in times when we may be grieving or going through a hard time. "Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? The Lion of Judah who conquored the grave. He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave."
Wherever your heart is today, I hope this song speaks truth to your heart, encourages and uplifts your soul to the fact that God is worthy of our worship and praise and that Christ conquored sin and death at the cross. He is alive and will return for those who have claimed Christ as their Saviour. So, let us worship Him, even in our tears.
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