A year ago today, heaven got sweeter. The man whom the world
thought of as an amazing veteran missionary, a preacher touched by God, an
instrument through which the Lord worked miracles left this earth to be with
his Master who he so faithfully served. Though he was all the things mentioned
above, to me he was “Grandpa.” He was the one who told stories for hours,
played guitar and sang to us and told the jokes I had heard so many times. I
never got them or thought they were funny and he knew it, but he did not care.
And that is what made me laugh. Whenever he had finished eating, he would chew
on his toothpick and pick up crumbs from off the table and put them on your
plate, whether you were done eating or not. Grandpa was the one who took every
opportunity to teach us about Jesus.
See, how you saw Grandpa live was not a show. It was what he
truly was and it came from a faithful walk and an undying love for God. Every
morning he sat in his recliner reading his Bible and praying. He was a man of
great faith and immense love. His passion for souls was evident. Everyone he
came in contact with heard about Jesus…several times. Grandpa let God use him
in so many ways. So many peoples’ lives were impacted and changed by his
testimony, my life included.
Today is the day of love. Love is celebrated and expressed.
What greater love is there than the one our Heavenly Father gives us? God IS
love.
A year ago today, I had read Isaiah 43 and found my Valentine's note from God in the end of the first verse: “Thou art mine.” Today’s
reminder is Jeremiah 31:3: “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea,
I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have
I drawn thee.”
God, the Creator of the entire universe has just told me
that He has loved me, still loves me and will forever love me. Not only that,
but He wants me to be close to Him. He desires to spend time with me. That is
love!
When I tell people my Grandpa died on Valentine’s Day they
feel bad and express their sympathy for him passing away on the day where love
is celebrated. But God’s love is everlasting and ALWAYS faithful. I miss my
Grandpa, but today, I am not sad. God has shown me His love in allowing me to be
the granddaughter of Dr. JT Lyons. Today is a celebration that Grandpa has been
a whole year in the presence of God. How amazing is it? Frankly, I am jealous.
Grandpa had been serving our wonderful Saviour for so long and has finally been
able to praise Him face to face.
Thank you God for letting me borrow him.
