As I think about how to word what I want to say, I am also at a loss for words for this week’s post title. Recently, a wonderful friend and mentor of mine went home to be with the Lord. He was 88 years old and had been married to his wife for 65 years. They have seven children all who are serving the Lord. He and his wife were also best friends to my grandparents who are already in Heaven.
This man, Mr. V, I will call him, was one awesome person! He was totally devoted to serving the Lord. He was a deacon in the church where I grew up. He helped my family in many ways through the years including bringing me home from the hospital when my dad was already out on another business trip! He took me to the doctor several times and did many more things for my family. However, the most important thing he ever did for me was live a Godly example in front of me. I believe this man knew Jesus and was truly close to him!
Mr. V passed away last Wednesday night of Congestive Heart Failure. One of his daughters told me at the funeral he knew his time was near. He told all of them he would not be here on Saturday. His funeral was Friday night and he was buried on Saturday morning. However, he was not mourning his death or even scared! He was excited! He continued to pray with and for his family and to help them stay focused on living for the Lord instead of crying and weeping because their daddy was about to pass on. He knew it would be difficult for all of them including his wife and best friend! He wanted all of them to make sure they had their final preparations in order as well so one day he would see them again.
He was a wonderful father, husband, and grandfather. He and his wife were the only ones for a long time outside of our family who were supportive of my husband and me having a large family and allowing the Lord to be in full control of our life together as a married couple. He and his wife had lived it themselves! They had seven children during the time after WWII when most people were cutting their families by half or more! Mr. V told Tim and me to keep our priorities in order and always put God first and he will always provide for us and for the children. He said as long as we serve the Lord HE will not give us more than we can handle or more than HE can provide for! It is so true! Mr. V said the children kept coming, but God always provided! Mr. V said God not only provided food, clothing, and shelter for his family, but they also had plenty to share and he never missed a tithe to the church! AMAZING! Can God really provide for a family that way? I believe he can! He promises in his word if we keep him first all of our needs will be met! He reminds us of how he feeds the sparrows and clothes the lilies of the field!
As a husband he was greatly devoted to his wife who has been sickly and frail for years now. He always cared for her. He loved her so much and it was evident! They did not bicker or argue and if they did ever have a disagreement it was when they were alone! They continued to hold hands and be romantic even after 65 years of marriage! His daughter told me even up to his last breaths of life, he wanted his wife snuggled up to him holding his hand, kissing, rubbing noses, etc! How romantic is that? My husband and I both cried when we heard this story. Mr. and Mrs. V have been the best example of a married couple we have ever found! We love them. Tim and I love each other too and are excited about growing old together! We still take date nights and date days as we had on Saturday. We make sure the other one knows he/she is special to the other! We are affectionate in front of our children. We refrain from belittling each other and arguing in front of anyone. Fortunately, we have few disagreements as there are few things really worth arguing over!
Mr. V left quite a legacy! He will be greatly missed! I was blessed to have ever known him!
What kind of legacy are you leaving? Will people leave your funeral encouraged or depressed? I was greatly encouraged upon leaving Mr. V’s funeral! Do you love your spouse as Christ loved the Church? Are you fulfilling and living up to your wedding vows? Do you truly love your children? Do you have faith in God? Are you prepared for eternity?
Think about the questions above. No one is perfect and Mr. V would have been the first to admit he was not perfect and give you examples of his mistakes. However, it is important to make an effort to be the best you can be! Any less is not only cheating God but you are also cheating your family and all of those who know you!
***I realize there are many of you who are not Christians. However, you do not have to read the blog. It is your choice to read and my choice to write. I hope you enjoy the things I write and are willing to have an open mind if you are not a Christian. I pray for all of my readers that God will use my words for HIS glory! Many blessings to everyone who may read this post!***
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