It feels difficult to even try to communicate the depths of the riches of God's grace in giving Grandpa to us for all of these precious years. He was a good and perfect gift to us as he daily exampled the love of Christ to us in so many ways. Grandpa was tender-hearted and loving towards those in rebellion, just as Christ is tender-hearted towards the rebellious even dying to save them on the cross. Grandpa had quiet, kind, wise and loving words for us in all seasons, even when he may have been grieved at heart by our choices. Grandpa chose his words wisely and carefully and lovingly. And when words were inadequate or unnecessary, Grandpa had actions to that spoke volumes.
He was generous with his finances to those in need, trusting God as he helped to provide for his family and others. But, Grandpa was also generous with his time, serving in his local church, and serving his family. He worked diligently to honour God by serving in so many ways. In his spare moments, Grandpa enjoyed relaxing by listening to music, reading a favourite magazine or journal, or researching various interests as he loved learning. Grandpa was diligent throughout his life, managing his time carefully, and I am sure that the few moments to himself were well savoured, yet as a little girl (and when I grew older) I was never made to feel unwelcome or that I was an interruption. You see, Grandpa, happily made time for his family in the midst of all his different priorities. We all knew how much he loved us.
Grandpa was a man of quietly lived out faith in his saviour Jesus Christ. He loved to express his gratitude towards God in song, both singing in the choir at church, and listening to hymns at home. Often while listening, Grandpa could be heard softly agreeing with a resounding “Yes!” to some truth being imparted. In the last few years, Grandpa was so overjoyed by God's grace to him, he loved to talk about how blessed he was in this life. When he spoke of God's work in his life, his eyes shone with trust and confidence. And when Grandpa would squeeze my hand gently after prayer time, I knew he was emphasising, “see, God is at work, we can trust Him.” I know, that even now, Grandpa's eyes are shining and he is rejoicing, happy to finally be at his saviour's side and to see Christ's work for him completed.
You see, Grandpa knew that in spite of all his amazing qualities and gifts, he wasn't perfect. Grandpa knew his own faults better than any of us, and recognised his need for our saviour Jesus Christ. He didn't trust in his good works, or even in his ability to improve and do better. Grandpa trusted fully in the work of Christ on the cross to deliver him from his sins. He trusted in God's grace to save him and make him able to live a Christian life. And as God is faithful, each of us were able to see God's work in Grandpa's life over the years. I am also just as sure, that each of us have been blessed by God's work in our own lives through Grandpa as he willingly and lovingly served his saviour.
That's why, if I were able to sit with you now and remember Grandpa, I would squeeze your hand, and confidently say, “see, God is at work, we can trust Him.” We can trust that God is faithful to his children, and to Grandpa. We can trust that Grandpa is now free from all sin and toil and strife, and that he is rejoicing with the other saints at the awesome perfection of Christ's love to them and to us. We can trust God's own word, that it is finished, that death has been defeated, and that one day all our tears will be wiped away and we will stand together with Grandpa rejoicing, rejoicing in the throne room of God.
And so, though I grieve now, it is not without hope or confidence, it is not without joy. For Grandpa knows, and I know, whom we have believed. Though I will miss Grandpa's earthly presence here for a while, I know nothing is really lost forever because our Saviour reigns, and He is at work, and we can trust the riches of His grace and the depths of His mercy and love.
With love,
Sadie
