Papaw Bill
As long as I can remember my grandfather had a purpose and that was to witness to others and bring them closer to his interpretation of God. Like many, my grandfather had a transformation in the Christian faith that changed the way he moved through life for the better. As a young teenager and adult we didn’t always see eye to eye on the details of his faith but I’ve come to see how he lived out the fundamental truths of all spiritual teachings.
My grandfather cherished and loved everyone, including the most unlovable of our society. He would hang out at the local bus stop in his community for the chance to help someone. At times this would mean feeding them, paying for a place to stay or taking them places. In a time where taking strangers in your own car was considered dangerous, my grandfather would willingly ignore society and his own family to help a person in need.
He modeled for me what commitment and devotion looks like. He lived out his faith with daily meditation that spanned into weeks, years and decades. How many of us commit to something only to tire or grow bored with it? His relationships took on this same commitment. My grandparents were married for 69 years and though I witnessed more than one disagreement or hurt between them, their commitment to one another and their family prevailed.
Joy and gratitude were found in the small things of life for my grandfather. A lazy fishing day and a ham sandwich would make the man happy. The riches in this lifetime were found in family, friends and community. Papaw loved people freely. Im sure his children and grandchildren have disappointed him throughout the years but he never withheld his unconditional love and faith in his family.
Purpose and passion filled my grandfathers life and he witnessed to people regardless of how he may have appeared to others. His life was devoted to God and nothing stopped him from doing this. Although these actions sometimes embarrassed me, it also taught me not to allow the ego, the fear of what others might think or say about me, get in the way of what we are here to do on earth. He was a living example of what it looks like to have a purpose and passion bigger than ourselves and not many people have this kind of strength.
I give thanks today for knowing this man. For being a part of his life and for the lessons he has taught me. I rejoice in knowing he lived a full and rewarding life and that he touched many people for the better.
My Papaw was the most loving, admirable, selfless man I had ever known. He left his mark on this earth and touched so many hearts and minds- he was a gift, a true blessing to everyone around him. My heart is at peace knowing he is at home with the Lord. Words will never express the love I have for this man, and the strength of the bond we’ve shared for 34 years. I love you Higher than the heavens, Papaw. I’ll be seeing you one day soon.
