But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
Seven years ago this month my grandfather passed away. He had lived a long and full life.. always at his best when surrounded by family and friends. He had a love of life and a joy that I've not seen in many people. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. For that matter, I never even called my grandparents house that he didn't answer the phone and his smile could be heard in his voice.
I remember well the weekend he passed away. We all knew the time was close. He had been diagnosed with cancer several years prior and the last couple of months had really taken a toll on his body.
The call came on a weekend and we quickly began making plans to make the out-of-state drive for the services. My husband had just taken a new job and was leaving on Monday for a two week training -- also out of state. My 2 1/2 year old son and I would make the journey ourselves.
It is about a 6 hour drive to where my grandparents lived. About an hour out, I began to get restless. I was about 3 months pregnant with our daughter and was beginning to grow weary. I wanted to get out and walk around, but was determined we would just keep pressing on. Additionally, about 5 hours of music from "The Wiggles" and various Disney videos coming from the backseat was beginning to wear a little thin on my ears (but, so thankful they were keeping my son occupied!).
In an effort to keep myself going and bring a little something more to the musical selections available in the car, I began to sing hymns. After singing thru a couple, I began singing 'Victory in Jesus'. As I reached the closing phrases of the last verse, the tears began to flow... "And some sweet day I'll sing up there my song of victory!"
I'm sure they came at this time for several reasons.... with all the rush to get on the road quickly I hadn't taken any time to really process that Grandpa was no longer here on earth with us, being tired my emotions were probably wearing more than a little thin, and so on. However, I think what brought the tears the most was the picture I had in my mind of Grandpa standing before Jesus singing that song of victory!
Each day of his life, Grandpa had shared the victory he had found thru a life of living for God. He shared it with family and friends and anyone else whose path he crossed while on this earth.
That moment in the car brought home to me what a precious gift we are given. A gift that brings us victory... here on earth and in our eternal home in heaven.
Happy Sunday!
Melanie/Beads-N-Style
I remember well the weekend he passed away. We all knew the time was close. He had been diagnosed with cancer several years prior and the last couple of months had really taken a toll on his body.
The call came on a weekend and we quickly began making plans to make the out-of-state drive for the services. My husband had just taken a new job and was leaving on Monday for a two week training -- also out of state. My 2 1/2 year old son and I would make the journey ourselves.
It is about a 6 hour drive to where my grandparents lived. About an hour out, I began to get restless. I was about 3 months pregnant with our daughter and was beginning to grow weary. I wanted to get out and walk around, but was determined we would just keep pressing on. Additionally, about 5 hours of music from "The Wiggles" and various Disney videos coming from the backseat was beginning to wear a little thin on my ears (but, so thankful they were keeping my son occupied!).
In an effort to keep myself going and bring a little something more to the musical selections available in the car, I began to sing hymns. After singing thru a couple, I began singing 'Victory in Jesus'. As I reached the closing phrases of the last verse, the tears began to flow... "And some sweet day I'll sing up there my song of victory!"
I'm sure they came at this time for several reasons.... with all the rush to get on the road quickly I hadn't taken any time to really process that Grandpa was no longer here on earth with us, being tired my emotions were probably wearing more than a little thin, and so on. However, I think what brought the tears the most was the picture I had in my mind of Grandpa standing before Jesus singing that song of victory!
Each day of his life, Grandpa had shared the victory he had found thru a life of living for God. He shared it with family and friends and anyone else whose path he crossed while on this earth.
That moment in the car brought home to me what a precious gift we are given. A gift that brings us victory... here on earth and in our eternal home in heaven.
Happy Sunday!
Melanie/Beads-N-Style