Dad I miss you a lot today…
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:22, 24-26 NIV)
I wrote and clung to this verse three years ago today as I rode up to Kentucky after getting a phone call that would change my life forever. Today is the third anniversary of my daddy’s passing. This is also the first anniversary I am not with my family on this day. I’ve experienced loss of loved ones before. If you keep up with my blogs you know I just lost my last living grandparent last month while on the race, my precious Mawmaw. But losing a parent is different. Losing a parent at age 27 is different. Parents are suppose to grow old with you. Parents are suppose to give you away. Parents are supposed to spoil your children. Parents are supposed to be there to worry about you when you are traveling the world telling people about Jesus.
It’s a hard reality when you know your dad will never walk you down the isle or even meet your future husband. He will never get to hold my children or sing Jesus loves me to them like he did for me when I was growing up. It was the only thing that would put me to sleep.
Many times on this trip I have wanted more than anything to call my dad and tell him about all the things God is teaching me and the things he is showing me. My dad loved the Lord and is walking alongside him right now. He also loved me and my sister so very much. At my dad’s funeral the pastor talked first about dads love for Jesus and second about his love for his family. He would be so proud of me right now and would love to hear all the stories. I plan on telling him them all in heaven someday.
I don’t and probably will never understand why my dad was taken to heaven at a young age. But the reality is it was what was best for him. He can see perfectly, better than even when his vision was 20/20 on earth. He has no more suffering and he can finally fully worship Jesus the way that we were all created to do. I know above all else Gods ways are higher than mine.
God is using this trip to remind me of the urgency of sharing the gospel. You see God desires that no one perish and that is my desire as well. He wants you to be with Him forever. If your reading my blogs and don’t know Jesus as your personal savior, please know how much he loves you and wants you to love him to. He sent his one and only son to die for you and he rose again to give you the opportunity to be set free from the penalty of sin. I would love to talk more about that with you. Message or email me! Believe me time is not promised to anyone. My father passed away at the young age of 57. I can share many other stories of people who thought they had more time.
But for now I will remember my sweet daddy with a smile on my face and a few tears in my eyes. Daddy I will always miss and love you so very much!! Someday I will hug your neck again!
