Life in your years

In memory of my grandfather, who was set free from his earthly bonds on August 30, 2009, and is now rejoicing at the feet of Jesus.

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What can you say to summarize the monumental life of one of the most influential men you’ve ever met? It is difficult to compose sentences to describe my grandfather because I have never met another man quite like him. While most people are content to be little more than a speed bump along the highway of history, the patriarch of my family was nothing less than a traffic signal over a 6-way intersection. When he entered a room, he brought with him a presence that commanded respect from people who knew him, and those who didn’t. When he opened his mouth to speak, he could capture the attention of everyone around him with the first three words. He was loved by all who met him.

But beyond that, he was a man of God who gave love absolutely. A man who loved his Savior without question. A husband who loved his wife entirely. A father who loved his five children unconditionally. A grandfather of twelve, who loved his grandchildren wholeheartedly. A great-grandfather to four, and he loved them perfectly.

He was a man who left behind an extraordinary legacy of faith and love. He lived each day as an unshakable example for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May we all aspire to live up to his legacy of faith.

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.

It’s the life in your years.”

-Abraham Lincoln