I’ve been procrastinating writing this blog like crazy. I know there are no words I can say that will do justice to the life my Papaw lived in service to his King. David Carey was the most selfless man I’ve ever known. He dedicated his life to his family and those in need and he always kept Christ center. He lived a quiet life and worked with his hands as urged in 1 Thessalonians 4.
My mom called me last week to tell me I would never see my Papaw’s smiling face again. As I was sitting alone crying, I felt a calming peace come over me and I felt the Lord say “it is okay to rejoice.” It is okay to rejoice in the life he lived and the fact that he is now and forevermore in the presence of his Creator. That doesn’t mean I won’t miss him. That doesn’t mean I am not grieving. It means that I can take heart for my God has overcome death! I have the same eternal hope in Jesus Christ that my Papaw does.
My Papaw was born on May 11th and he passed away on March 11th at 1:11pm. In September, I’ll be leaving for 11 months to spread the Gospel to 11 nations, with 1 goal in mind: to share Christ’s love. In 1993, my Papaw went on a missions trip to Guatemala and Nicaragua with the Christian Motorcycle Association. Two of the last countries I’ll be visiting are Guatemala and Nicaragua. My Papaw was excited about my trip and was looking forward to telling me all about his adventures in missions when I was planning to visit this summer. Although, I didn’t get to hear his stories, I will get to live those adventures out for myself and one day, we’ll swap stories in Heaven. As my Papaw walks on streets of gold, I will continue to run the course marked for me. I will grieve with hope and joy.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope – Psalm 130:5
Me and Papaw at my high school graduation party
Papaw’s pride and joy motorcycle he sold to build Victory Park for the community of Owingsville
Papaw pushing me on the swing at Victory Park where I spent many memorable days
