Dad

Janet and I were just in North Platte to be with my Father to celebrate his 92nd birthday.

He lives in the house where I spent all my teen years and where Janet and I took five babies for events and vacations (“2102” became his, and ours, in 1959).

Mom passed in November 2015 but she lives on in physical ways as her Bible and study nook still exist, in emotional ways as she still causes laughter, conversation, and her passing – a tear, and even in spiritual ways (her spiritual legacy is so rich!).  Dad lives alone (with no family in town) waiting his upward calling and praying for and reaching out to his neighbors and others with the good news that there is victory over death in Jesus.

He has been a “force” throughout his days and yet in these days.  I am so blessed by his love for Jesus, church, the Bible, family, neighbors and life.  He is a treasure!

Thinking about his life past and now, I gave him these verses as a blessing and as an affirmation of his life:

Psalm 92:12, The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
  13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
  14 They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
  15 To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Notes:

A palm tree speaks of water, protection, food, and blessings – Dad has flourished in such ways.

A cedar of Lebanon is massive/strong – Dad has been a strength to many over his decades.

Those fixed in God’s house shall flourish – Dad has been an avid churchman all his days.

In old age still bearing fruit – so with Dad: some spiritual, some relational, and some personal.

They shall stay fresh and green – Dad is an example and a witness at 92.

Proclaiming that the Lord is just (sees and deals with sin), a fortress (helper), and sinless (does all things right).  Dad readily talks about his God in these areas.

My brother is excited for the Rapture and every year thinks this year could be it.  So at the conclusion of his call to Dad yesterday, he said, “May you have no more birthdays!”  (He was reminding Dad that this could be the year.)  Dad laughed, knowing what he meant and agreeing with his hope.

Yesterday, on his birthday, we were in cemeteries five times talking about those who have passed over, some to glory and some to darkness, and how they impacted our lives.  It was a rich walk down memory lane and also a sobering reminder that we all face a parting and we must be ready for that NOW!

We stood at the grave of a toddler who died under the wheels of a car.  What a terrible blow to the family.  We stood at the graves of family, neighbors, and friends.  All have passed through what lies ahead for us.  As always, it is interesting what is said or not said on a grave marker.  And such serve as a reminder that our marker will also make a statement.  And what about the mark we are making now?  Does Psalm 92:12-15 apply?  Is it your mission?