The man, the myth, the legend: Gramps

Today we laid to rest one of my heroes, my maternal grandfather.  Just shy of his 90th birthday, this man was well loved and respected by many, and will be missed greatly.  It will be my honor to share thoughts on his legacy to those who gather in today.

Today I would like to paint you a picture of not cliff Slade, but Grandad.  Specifically, I’d like to tell you about the legacy his life created for his grandchildren.

Grandad was well known as a steward at Esso, but He was also a good steward of his resources, and taught us grandchildren well. We learned that the inexpensive toys and sweets were just as good as the fancy ones!  More than once he promised that my Christmas present would be nothing more than a coloring book and some crayons. But I’m thankful that Grandma is the one who did the Christmas shopping.

There were plenty of family jokes about Grandads frugality, but I’m thankful that this sensibility was passed down through our family, a foundation of responsibility.

Although Grandad was conservative with his cash, he was not with his time. I have many childhood memories that include him because we would spend many half terms and summer holidays in Plymouth with my grandparents.  Grandad would take us on trips around Devon and Cornwall. He would pitch the tent in the back garden for us to camp out overnight, knowing full well we would never make it till morning! He taught us how to play card games, roulette, shove ha’penny, and Rummikub, and how not to cheat!  

Grandad displayed Christlike compassion throughout his life.  He provided simple care and service to the widows in the neighborhood. Tending their gardens, helping them with things like doctors visits and things they couldn’t manage on their own.  But His service to widows didn’t stop there. My grandparents opened their home to my great-grandmother for decades. It was all I knew, but I now see how extraordinary that is!

I’m sure you also have stories you can tell of his compassion, and service in your life.  Service threads its way through granddad‘s life. From serving in Palestine with the paras after second world war, through Esso, and on through our family.

And behind all of this, love.  From his stories of his 9 siblings and his parents, to stories about My uncle and my Mum. His pride for both of them was unmistakable.  He didn’t compare or criticize, but cheered them on, offering encouragement, support and wisdom. I’ve seen that love and respect returned too.  

I’m thankful for the unconditional love he showed us as grandchildren.  Always ready to receive a visit, a place of love and rest, with a big hug.  No judgement or criticism. But maybe a healthy dose of truth!!

And to see the committed, love between Grandma and Grandad, married for over 60 years!  I’m married, I know it’s not as easy as they made it look!! I don’t recall seeing them argue or  criticize, but rather sacrificing for the other, united. This was never more evident than how Grandma cared for Grandad over the past year.  I am so thankful for their example, and their strength.

Grandad will be missed, but may our lives honor and reflect him.

x

The empty chair

Where you once sat, is now an empty chair.
The void you have left, hanging heavy in the air.
It's too soon for anyone else to occupy that space,
A clear sign that nothing can take your place.

A legend, a gift, a leader to all,
Your passing, a tragedy on us to befall.
Your wit, your compassion, your wisdom, still an echo,
In our hearts and our minds, wherever we go

Where you once stood are footsteps too hard to follow,
Where you once gave us counsel, the rooms feel so hollow.
Our hearts will heal with the passing of time,
And a big part will always be yours, of this heart of mine.

Looking ahead to the day we will meet again,
When we'll embrace and rejoice that we are just the same.
At peace, all together,
Time for some tea, and maybe a quick game!

Sunday is coming.

Easter is approaching, and while the world seeks to commercialize on it, and sell cards or candy, there is really a much more significant opportunity.  To consider why we remember Easter. 

Jesus was not worrying about his popularity or image when he hung on that cross.  He wasn't trying to avoid the shame or embarrassment of suffering a criminals death.  

All he was thinking about was you.  How he loves you so much he couldn't let you face the eternal death that awaits us all.  He left the splendor of Heaven, endures as a man, and died a martyr, suffering pain and torment of separation from his Father.

For you.  For me.

He didn't wait for it to be convenient, or fun.  He didn't have his friends with him, or a social media following.

He didn't do it to prove a point or win an argument.  He did it because he is love, and love lays aside self.  He did it because only he could, or we would be without hope.

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?""

John 11:25-26 NIV

This is the gospel.  That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  That whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

What did he ask in return?  Share.

"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

Mark 16:15-16 NIV

Why?  Love.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'"

Mark 12:30 NIV

"If you love me, keep my commands."

John 14:15 NIV

NO ONE is excluded from the gift that Jesus delivered.  It is a free choice to accept, or reject it.  But you can not ignore the defining act in history, that defines time itself, and demands a response.  To ignore Him is to reject him, to declare that you can do it on your own.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

I came across this Christmas poem in an old Facebook post today, from 2013. It was in a card my Grandad sent me. With him gone, it seems ever so much more meaningful.

"Peace and Faith, Love and Hope
Four candles burning low
Yet side by side they lit the night
And gave a warming glow

But anger soon diminished peace
As faith gave in to doubt
And love abandoned faded too
And soon all three went out

But hope still kept her flame alight
A joy for all to see
And growing stronger through the dark
She soon relit all three

When peace and faith and love grow dim
And struggle to survive
Hold fast to hope through doubt and fear
And keep the flame alive

Just like our Emma Hope"

Emma now has glasses! She doesn't need them all the time, she has astigmatism like me. I love her new look!!