I enjoy thanksgiving just like anyone else does. Food and fellowship is always great but this thanksgiving was a little more difficult. The reason why is because the seats around the dinner table weren't filled like they have been the past 22 years of my life.
I didn't realize it fully until my Dad led our family in prayer. As a family we've had 4 significant deaths from people that we loved in 2008 so far. Our friends Corey and Casey Todd lost their father Jerry Todd. Daniel Hooper and I even made a visit to the hospital where he was in critical condition. The Todd's have been close family friends and we labored with them during this time of uncertainty and loss.
We also lost my Grandpa Harry, who was actually my step Grandpa since my Dad's mom was widowed early in his life. He was a sweet old man who had a calm demeanor and understood what it meant to walk by Faith.
Then we unexpectantly lost my best friends mom, Barbara Brown. I lost her too. This woman was my second mom and I love her dearly. She was one of the Godliest women I have ever encountered. She was somehow able to sternly discipline without showing any kind of wavering love. And believe me, I was disciplined without hesitation. She was a prayer warrior of warriors. You cannot even grasp the kind of battles she prayed through by any amount of writing that I could make appear on this page. She prayed. She sacrificially gave her time, suburban gasoline for shuttling us ALL, money, sweat and prayers. I am still so amazed at what Christ had been doing in her and through her. I still shed tears when I think of her and her Godly example.
I also recently lost my mom's mom, my Grandma Alice who I've written about in past blogs. I will probably never know what kind of trials and tribulations I was prayed past and through by this woman. She was faithful to seek her King and longed to see Him more than anything. This woman loved wholeheartedly and she forgave.
All these things rushed through my mind during my Dad's 3 minute prayer and our family Amened with teary eyes.
This year, I'm thankful for my family staying resolute in their commitments to the Lord. I'm thankful for the Godly examples the Lord has given me in my life. These people turned my life upside down for Jesus. Now I want a better legacy. Thank you Jesus. Maranatha.
1 comment:
That is legendary man. I love the unity your family has in Christ, and its through His strength you guys are able to push through difficult days and trying times. Love you man! I am glad you were extremely blessed with a richness of God's grace. I know i sure did. It burdened me last week to teach on "Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving" which was a blog i posted recently. God is good!
The reason i think why my perspective has changed or been magnified is because of the Preach the Word Conference, and trying to have the mind of Christ in all things. Anyways man, i will talk to you soon! Have a good weekend.
Post a Comment