Happy Birthday Grandpa!

I guess this as good a name for this post as any.  My Grandpa T. would have been 91 today, which is amazing to think about.  Wow!  He lived a very long and full life though and left us the night before Thanksgiving just about 5 years ago after having visions of Jesus and other family members of ours who had passed away.

I guess I am thinking back to those Novembers in 2006 and 2007 when my Grandpa S. and Grandpa T. passed away just about a year a part because we are coming up on All Saints Day. I have been working to compile the list of loved ones and friends of Cross of Hope who have passed away to have read on Sunday.  All Saints is such a meaningful day.  It's interesting to think about why that is for me, because I can't really place it.  But, I have always held that day of the church year with utmost respect because its a day not only to remember and celebrate, but also a day to know that we are part of cloud of witnesses from the generations to the present. It's also a day where we are directly confronted with both the fragility of this life, and the hope and promise of the life to come.

I have also been thinking about my grandpas the past couple days, because two of my closest friends lost a grandparent over the weekend.  I hold Ben up as he remembers and celebrates his grandpa, and I hold Jeremy up as he remembers and celebrates his grandma.  Guys, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. You know I am here for you whatever you need.

One of the passages read at Grandpa's funeral was 2 Timothy 4:1-8, and I trust it can be read and deeply believed and affirmed for many of us in thinking about our loved ones who have departed us.  Let's close with these words from 2 Timothy 4:6-8:

"As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing."