Tribute to life

This morning in church we sang one of my favorite songs that I found this summer while stumbling upon great music.  But it is significant to me in another way too.  This is the last song that my beloved grandfather heard before he died two months ago.  It was our last conversation that we had before he ran to Jesus.  I cried in church this morning as I thought of him gracefully running to our heavenly father, with no pain, no wrinkles, a youthful grin on his face, to be with his heavenly daddy that has truly taken care of him all of these years.  I'm honored to know such a profound and gentle spirit who I learned peace and gentleness from.

My last conversation with him was simple and full of love.  I held his hand while he was resting in his bed that afternoon.  We talked about life and Luke lived life around him.  Luke sang to him I love you Lord and Jesus Loves Me.  My sweet cousins gave him a blessing of peace, each of them giving him hugs and kisses, knowing that it may be the last time they see him on earth.  Then it was my turn.  We talked about running and about Jesus.  I told him to run to Jesus and meet him with open arms for me.  I told him it was okay and that we loved him but GO!  Run to his arms with a smile!  

Talk about thankful moments.  Talk about a moment that will change my life forever as I contemplate my own life.  Am I running to Jesus?  Am I running and while I am am I knowing the richness of his love that will always be enough?  

I am blessed beyond belief to have a family who is rooted in Christ for generation after generation. I am blessed because even though I sin, I am forgiven deeply and it is forgotten. (thanks Pastor Frank for your words this morning) Luke has memorized 1 John 4:16 which says "GOD IS LOVE".  My two year old knows it.  Do I sometimes?  

This is what I will ponder this week and hide in my heart.

Forever Reign, by Kristian Standfill

Verse 1
You are good You are good
When there’s nothing good in me
You are love You are love
On display for all to see
You are light You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope You are hope
You have covered all my sin

Verse 2
You are peace You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are joy
You’re the reason that I sing
You are life You are life
In You death has lost it’s sting

Chorus
Oh I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

Verse 3
You are more You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here You are here
In Your presence I’m made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I’m letting go

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge
My heart will sing
No other Name
Jesus
Jesus