My father passed away early last Sunday morning and we will be celebrating his life and his new life today at church.

He was ready, more so than we were.

The last thing he did before I got him ready for bed while sitting in his chair confused, he recited the Lord’s prayer. Then he recited it again. I put him to bed, and like every night, mom went in and said the Lord’s prayer with him before he fell asleep.

Dad didn’t always give us boys what we wanted, but always gave us what we needed, whether we realized or not.  Isn’t that what our Father does and isn’t that what father’s are supposed to do?

What a wonderful God we have . . . who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us . . .

2 Corinthians 1:3,4 (TLB)

Billy Graham: “The Psalmist said, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Self-pity can bring no enduring comfort. The fact is, it will only adds to your misery. And unremitting grief will give you little consolation in itself, for grief begets grief. Sorrow, or mourning, when it is borne in a Christian way, contains a built-in comfort. “Happy are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” There is comfort in mourning, because we know that Christ is with us. He has said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Suffering is endurable if we do not have to bear it alone; and the more compassionate the Presence, the less acute the pain.”

Thank You, loving heavenly Father, for the promise that when we mourn You will comfort us. I have felt the healing of Your consolation in the past and know You will never fail me. I give thanks and praise for those that have passed and enriched my life with their love and guidance. Thank you God of Love, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

This one’s for you, Dad!