Catch and Release...

While a chill permeates the air, the promise of the sun reveals itself in the sky...the promise of heat warding off the chill, obliterating it...chasing it back. Over a hot cup of heaven I perch at the window and observe the heavy laden sky, knowing the it will soon clear over my part of the world and bring with it the beauty and clarity of a hot summer day.

And so it is with our emotions, our moments of pain and disillusion...of grief. Recently a man of God left this world to be with his Heavenly Father....he was human, made mistakes like any other child of God...human but with the focus of one listening to that still small voice and moving in obedience. My heart grieves for his children, his grandchildren...the large family he leaves behind to follow one day. My heart rejoices knowing that he is now with the Father...laughing in joy and exultation, hearing those words...'well done, my good and faithful servant.'

I do not know why God took him home so soon, so early but this I know....he leaves behind a legacy of faith, of work done diligently in God's name, and a family full of the knowledge of love for each one of them.

While we grieve his journey to that other place of peace, of joy unceasing...we live with the sure knowledge of seeing him again some day, whenever that may be.

I cannot begin to describe what this man meant to me...no he wasn't perfect...but he was faithful in his love and actions. From the time I was thirteen going on ancient, he was there to support, to direct, to love... to frustrate as I imagine I frustrated him right back.... to laugh with and to just sit and talk with.

I watched him do the same for so many...

Go with God today...and every day and remember this...there are those around you who mourn, who grieve...give out kindness where you can and know that by doing so you leave a legacy as well. In obedience we hope to walk the talk, to love others as we love ourselves...

Grace be with you....