Saying Farewell

 

 

 We bid farewell to my father today,

 

 

in a lovely setting with family and friends.

 

I was grateful for the outpouring of support from those who knew my father, and was touched by the various testimonies that were shared re: how my he had impacted each one. I'm realizing more and more that Dad left quite a legacy, and it has caused me to pause to consider whether I'm leaving a positive or negative impact on family members, as well as the people whose paths I cross on a day to day basis.

I am also so very grateful my dad was able to exit this earth peacefully in his sleep, even though it was totally unexpected.  I've been overwhelmed with an awareness of God's kindness in His dealings with my father, and it gives me reason to hope for the same when my time comes.

I especially appreciated some of the Scripture verses the pastor shared at the graveside highlighting God's compassion on his children, and that the Good Shepherd takes care of his sheep.

And this verse, printed on his remembrance card, truly sums up what I believe about heaven and why I long for it so:

No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him.

- I Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)