I have tried to write this post 4 different times now. There are so many things I want to say and yet, when I sit down to type them up, I find myself overwhelmed with the thought of stating what my Grandfather has meant to me throughout my life. I think I will instead save those thoughts and feelings for when we all get together for the viewing and funeral next week. Instead, I have decided to share the words of an Apostle of God.
When I first heard that Grandpa's time was at an end it was during General Conference weekend. The talks, as always, were wonderful and inspiring, but there was one talk in particular that seemed to be directed at me. The words were what I needed to hear and the spirit was so gentle as I listened to the message being delivered. I have since gone back and read, and re-read President Uchtdorf's talk entitled "Grateful in Any Circumstances". I could post it all here but I will instead share the paragraph that struck me the most, so forgive me now as I borrow the words of this wonderful servant of God.
"We are not made for Endings"
"In light of what we know about our eternal destiny, is it any wonder that whenever we face the bitter endings of life, they seem unacceptable to us? There seems to be something inside of us that resists endings.
Why is this? Because we are made of the stuff of eternity. We are eternal beings, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless and who promises eternal blessings without number. Endings are not our destiny.
The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions- temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful.
How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings."
As I prepare to return home to participate in the events we associate with the ending of life I am truly comforted to know this life is not all. Our Grandfather has moved on, and for a time we will be separated from him. But I know he lives on and we will see him again. I have been blessed to have known him for almost 40 years now and, when the time comes for me to leave this earth, I look forward to thanking him for all he did for me here in this temporary state we call life.
I am enjoying reading all of these great tributes to Grandpa. President Uchtdorf's talk was my hands down favorite talk from Conference. There really is so much to be grateful for even in the darkest of times. Death is extremely painful for those left behind, but even that pain should be faced with gratitude because it wouldn't hurt so bad if we hadn't loved so much, and what a blessing to have been blessed with people to love in this life. Thanks for sharing your feelings and your testimony.
ReplyDeleteI just echo Julie's sentiments exactly. I am grateful to have the knowledge that I have and the faith I have to trust in the promise of an eternal life without endings. Beautifully written, son.
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