Just wanted to write a note about my sister-in-law's Dad, Sam (Kids, this is Aunt Shelley's Dad).
I think everyone was concerned...and wondering if he would be able to make it to the wedding celebration (previous updates here and here and here).
Well, he did!
He kind of rallied a little on Friday. I think he enjoyed all the activity going on at the house...lots of grandchildren, lots of FLOWERS, lots of activities. Shelley said he was able to move around a little, and interacted with everyone. God is so good!
The next day, the wedding day, he was understandably exhausted. Most days, it takes all of his energy to move his legs from a sitting position to a laying down position.
But he came! He and his wife, Jan, sat at the back of the church, instead of at the front with the family. It was better that way. Jan was able to talk to him and point things out...they were able to see every person who passed by before the service. He was able to enjoy the bride and the bridal party...I was so happy and thankful that the family got to enjoy him and have this special memory.
Sam was even able to attend the reception for a little while.
AND, the family had a little "after-party" for the immediate family, and he was able to attend that for a couple of hours.
I was talking to my Shelley about it the other day. I think if we're honest...we have all had times in our lives when we've asked "WHY, Lord?" Or, "how much longer, LORD?"
Because, Sam is a Christian. He is ready for Heaven...ready for HOME. He has lived a life of service and generosity. He has been a good husband and godly father. He is leaving a legacy of faith for his children and grandchildren. So, WHY? Why the prolonged illness? Why the intense pain? Why the suffering?
What we know: Our days are numbered before we are even created (Psalm 139:16). God is in control of life and death. God has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11). And, mostly, we know that God isn't finished with Sam. Sam may be ready...but GOD isn't ready for Sam .
I looked back at them during the wedding. Sam, Jan and the care-giver. And God showed me this...Sam has reached many for Christ during his earthly life. But Sam is also reaching people even through this illness. In the past few years, he has had countless technicians, nurses, doctors, therapists and caregivers...all now being witness to the life of this humble man of God. The caregiver at the wedding this weekend had NO IDEA of the blessing and impact of Sam's life, and of the witness and example being set by his family.
I just know there's a reason why Sam is still here. We've all heard the phrase, "God works in mysterious ways." It's true. His ways are not our ways. And when Sam is done...and God calls...Sam is ready.
''...I bring death and I give life..." Deuteronomy 32:39
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