My personal calendar reminded me of my friend’s birthday. I composed an email and sent it to his daughter.
“Happy Heavenly Birthday to your father! Remembering and honoring him on this special day!”
My friend passed away several years ago and I have remained in contact with his daughter and other family members. She responded to my email. “Thank you so much! We are still finding out all of the many small things he did that made our lives more comfortable. It is truly amazing how he kept our family and home together. We all miss him.”
I reflected upon her touching words. It was a familiar story and her words resonated with me. So many family members and dear friends have shared similar bittersweet experiences. For many of us, we will never know all the things our departed loved ones did for us until after they pass. The Bible gives us a touching insight of a godly man who undertook painstaking steps on behalf of his family, who were unaware of his thoughtfulness and oversight.
Job’s sons would take turns preparing feasts in their homes, and they would also invite their three sisters to celebrate with them. When these celebrations ended—sometimes after several days—Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.
Job 1:4-5 (NLT)
Job was one of the richest men of his day but it was his attention to the spiritual details of his family and life that was his true treasure. He did not take the blessings of his life for granted and honored God with prayer and thanksgiving on behalf of himself and his family.
I have been blessed by many stories of tender compassion performed by departed friends and family members on behalf of others. Like my friend’s father, their legacy is written in the joy of remembrance by those whose lives they touched.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 