My Grandpa

My Grandpa died last night around midnight. It seemed strange not to go to the hospital this morning and to think that I won't hold his hand again. I said goodbye yesterday. I had told him several days before when I knew he understood me that I loved him and that I would see him again. And I prayed that God would not let him suffer long. And yet I cry. It seems silly to cry when I know where he is, but then I think that Jesus wept and this comforts me. It's just part of being left behind in this broken place, I suppose. And I'm tired.

One of the things I most admired about my Grandpa was his gratitude to God for the blessings in his life and the reverence with which he always spoke to his Lord. He knew that he did not deserve to be so blessed (as none of us are), and he knew that every good gift comes from the Father. He knew that God is God and he was but a man, and I believe God was pleased and honored by this posture of his heart.

This past Sunday morning we sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" at the church I attended, and I was struck with how this song captures the image I have of my Grandfather's heart toward God:

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

--Thomas Chisholm