penrod

last thursday night my gpa penrod died. he was 93.

he lived his life to the fullest until the day, no actually until the hour he died. he made time for poeple. he cared for david, his adult son with several disabilities for 69 years. he visited his mother everyday of his adult life until she died. he visited his daughter and son every tuesday for years. he had lunch once a week with his step son (of which he was only married to his mother 6 months before she died). he went to ponderosa and aldis each week so he could check on the waitress/checkout girls. he got mable jeans mail everyday and would take it up her drive way so she wouldn't have to get out in bad weather.

as i have dealt with the death of so many this past year - i struggle so with the priorities in my life. do i put the needs of others before the needs of myself? really.

am i willing to go to the same grocery store each week, not for sales or convenience, but purely to check on the girl at the checkout isle. to smile at her. to ask about her life.

am i willing to visit my mother every week - let alone everyday of her life? that takes sacrifice. that takes dedication. that takes a heart for serving others.

"Honor your father and mother" which is the first commandment with a promise - "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Ephesians 6:2-3

gpa penrod died at 93 after having a very full life. do you think there is a connection?