Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
In this imperfect world that we live in; in our very own human strength we can not live out perfect love. The love displayed towards others is not always patient or kind. At times we are envious and we can be boastful, displaying moments of pride. We treat each other rudely and we seek that which is best for ourselves. We are often quick to anger and our memory for those moments when we have been wronged is endless. We find ourselves delighting in the failures of others. We do not always seek to protect, we are cautious before trusting. We lack hope in the midst of everyday trials. We surrender way too soon.
Often times when we reflect on someones life and legacy we tend to focus on all the good or remember all the bad. We can lack balance. It is easy to build up perfection in the memories we carry of our loved ones. Yet we cannot live up to perfection. We live in an imperfect world.
My Grandfather will celebrate his 90th birthday in February. As my Grandmothers health slowly fails we as a family have been brought to a time of reflection. Reflecting on the life and legacy we have been given; the gifts that have been passed on from my Grandparents. This week I have been reflecting on memories of my Grandfather. What is it that comes to mind, what stands out most about who he is and what I have learned from him? LOVE.
When I think of my Grandfather and of his Love for his family I do not think of it as perfect. He has not always been gentle in his words and his patiences can be easily tried. In fact Grandpa is my very own ”Old Bear”. The outer exterior can sometimes reflect a poor image of the inner heart. Anyone who spends time with G’pa will learn that he loves deeply, regardless of how well he shows it or doesn’t show it. Grandpa loves God with all his heart. Grandpa loves his family and his greatest desire in these last few years has been to pass on blessing to his children and grandchildren. His heart is to see the next generations of his family with Christ at the center of their lives.
When our oldest son was three months old we were privileged to introduce him to his Great Grandparents. During that visit Grandpa took time to pray for and bless him. While our second son has never met his Great Grandparents in person at five months pregnant my Grandfather prayed for and blessed our youngest son, yet to be born.
Each and every day for as long as I can remember my Grandparents have diligently prayed for their family. Their children, their grandchildren and now their great grandchildren. We have been blessed with examples of godly character. Not always perfect but always perfect in Christ. For Christ has worked in and through my Grandfather in such an amazing way. This is the Love my Grandpa has shown me best. For He loved us, His Family with Christ as his compass and his feet firmly planted on the solid foundation of God’s word.
I do not have words to express all that is in my heart for Grandpa.
“I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH OLD BEAR”
(Picture I gave to Grandpa Christmas 1992)
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