My grandfather's death

Not too many people know about my grandfather's death, because it was quite sudden and I haven't had time to think about it these past few months.

I was Guatemala last November for a medical mission trip when I recieved a series of txt messages over 3 days from my family.

Day 1: Poppy fell and broke his hip. He's having surgery.

Day 2: Surgery went well. Poppy is recovering fine.

Day 3: Poppy just died. I'm sorry.

Excuse me? I was in shock. I didn't know what to do. Should I leave early and attend the funeral, or should I stay and continue the mission trip?

I emailed my Dad for advice. He told me that Poppy would want me to stay and finish doing God's work. I agreed, so I stayed...

It wasn't until last weekend when I actually found out HOW my grandfather died.

Turns out my Mom was in the room at the time, fixing some towels, when my grandfather's blood decided to clot near his brain. He died in seconds. Now he's with my grandmother who died Feb. 3rd, 2006.

It's tough losing people important to you, especially family members. But I'm always reminded of something David Crowder says...

"Death is not the end. It is only the beginning."

That's the hope I hold onto, in this hopeless world. That God has conquered death so that we might have a fresh beginning in His glory for all of eternity. My mind cannot grasp how long eternity really is... and how short our lives really are.

Sometimes I act like a child. I am petty, selfish, and I don't love everyone unconditionally. I want to CHANGE that. I want to love everyone as God loves us. I want to show to the world that even though everything around us is decaying... our bodies, our relationships, and our finances, that God is in control and we can fully trust in Him to lead out lives... for the REST OF ETERNITY!

Was your last random act of kindness for your glory or for God's glory? Do you volunteer to receive awards and recognition? Do you consider buying a homeless man lunch to tell your friends about it later that evening? Do you have one or two people in your phone you only call when you need something from him or her?

I've been guilty of similar things in the past which is why it is so important to realize the impact we have on others, good and bad, throughout our lives. Are we saying and doing things for MY glory or for HIS glory. All I know is that at the end of my days, I want to stand before God and hear Him say... 

Welcome my child, for with you I am well pleased.

That's the beginning I want. How about you?