I PLAN TO LIVE FOREVER
But you know what they say about the best-laid plans.
I recently lost my grandfather. It has been one of the greatest tragedies of my life. Mr. Harry L Williams departed this life on Sunday August 14, 2011. While it may be considered normal to continue grieving his passing, I am feeling something completely different. I am celebrating and remembering a man who risked everything when he loved. I am well aware that I will never feel his overgrown beard again or have the pleasure to smell his “aroma” after hunting rabbit, possum and squirrel. But I have come to terms with his passing from this life because there is something that remains.
The Love We Share
Love has no life expectancy!
Love has no end.
Love is eternal.
God is eternal.
God is Love!
When we love one another we are privileged to participate in something eternal. We are apart of something that goes on from generation to generation. While we may not live on forever the memory of the deeds we have done and the love we have shared continues to speak for us in our absence. Our behavior leaves a mark on the hearts of all that we meet. When people encounter us, do they encounter God? Do they leave knowing that we love Him and all His creation? What would you like to be said of you at the hour of your departure?
Shakespeare says
“The evil that men do lives after them,
The good is oft interred with their bones.”
How unfortunate, but it so true.
What remains of my grandfather is not his bones but his thoughts, attitudes and actions that testify of love. He leaves behind kindness, patience, gentleness and compassion. What remains is the legacy of a man who loved God and people. What remains is a man that knew no Samaritans only friends he had yet to meet.
We are all mortal and destined to pass from this life to the life that awaits BUT when we love each other with the love of God our love becomes immortal. It lives on from generation to generation. We can truly be called children of God not because of our words but because of our love.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” – 1 John 4:7-8, 11-12
Peace and Blessings
