Tuesday, October 11, 2005

In Remembrance...

On Saturday, October 8, 2005, my 92 year old father went to rest and rejoice in full consciousness of our Lord - free from his ailing body and all the trials that come with it. We rejoice, though saddened by our loss and missing his wonderful presence, that we will see him again "in the by and by." He embodied the gentleness of spirit and committed, true and giving love that our God asked of him...

WE WILL REMEMBER YOU...
© October 2005
Eleanor Sayson Lethbridge

Your love, unconditional and vast
Spanned generations: future, present and past
Agapé love, steadfast, committed, true
Your LOVE is how we will remember you.

Your joy, strong and in the Lord
Filled with warmth and sprouting from His Word
Smiles and happy memories come through
Your JOY is how we will remember you.

Your peace, born from your strong faith
Evident in how you had such grace
No hectic, frantic actions or to-do
Your PEACE is how we will remember you.

Your patience, a trademark that you held
You waited on God’s guidance in this world
Though trials and tests often came into view
Your PATIENCE is how we will remember you.

Your kindness poured forth in so many ways
Thoughtfulness and charity filled your many days
You shared your blessings without much ado
Your KINDNESS is how we will remember you.

Your goodness, sprouting from your righteous walk
Reflected in your actions and your talk
You sought the Master’s will in what you’d do
Your GOODNESS is how we will remember you.

Your faithfulness to God was paramount
Obedience to Him you never would discount
You said fervent prayers for everyone you knew
Your FAITHFULNESS is how we will remember you.

Your gentleness, a hallmark of your life
So many times you soothed away the strife
You didn’t curse, debase, deride, or argue
Your GENTLENESS is how we will remember you.

Your self-control we always did admire
Through testing times and through Refiner’s Fire
Selfish wants and desires you did eschew
Your SELF-CONTROL is how we will remember you.

These precious fruit that blossomed in your life
You’ve left to all your offspring and your wife
To hold as memories and standards too,
That we shall share as we remember you.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
~Galatians 5:22-23


I miss you, Daddy - and thank you for a wonderful life.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

(hugs) If you need to talk, I'm here for you. And always praying.

Dennis

Anonymous said...

Your father passing from this earth breaks my heart. But I know that if anyone on this earth was ever meant to enter heaven it is him. He was always so kind to me and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love, Kathi

Anonymous said...

El, for those of us who love you and have heard the wonderful stories you've shared of your parents, this is a hurt that is difficult to put into words. On the one hand, I feel like celebrating his passage into a place where there is no pain, no sadness. On the other, there is my deep and abiding concern for my friend.

Our prayers are with you now and always.

Sheri and Jim

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but how wonderful to know in faith that you will be together again. I am praying.
Ellen

Anonymous said...

hey darling, your poem is a beautiful tribute. i'm sure he loved it:)
hugs,
kerry