things left undone

sneakers on the floor
cigarette butts in the ashtrays
a clean truck in the garage
a book open to its page

things left undone...a life still being lived, but yet it's not

This is the beginning of my new life.  That is, my life without my father.
And yet, this is the beginning of another new life; the life my dad has in eternity.

It's true; there was still more life that could have been lived here, but we only see this side of it.  We don't see the full picture.  And even though it still stabs at my heart to speak of my dad in past tense, I have to remind myself that his life continues in a place that I can't even dream of.  Before, he only knew things in part, but now he sees it all. This life is so short, so fleeting, so momentary... in comparison to eternity.

James 4:14
The reality is you have no idea where your life will take you tomorrow. You are like a mist that appears one moment and then vanishes another.

My mind surely cannot comprehend the wonders in store for those who have trusted in Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:9 
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

I mourn for my loss, but I rejoice at the knowledge of my dad's faith.  I am learning that God's grace is greater than my tunnel vision.  I'm learning that we don't have the clear answers that we thought we had.  I'm learning that God can, and does, reach hearts that surprise us.  His mercy is beyond what we perceive.

So, while my mind is still spinning trying to absorb the shock of my dad's death, I feel, in a way, that I have made it my intent to carry on his life in me.  I am, after all, 50% him.  So, I will wear his shirts and his hats, and I will keep him alive in me, I will remember him while remembering who I am...  I will try to live with the same great work ethic he had, and with the same great sense of humor, and to try to keep myself fit and strong; I will remember "all things in moderation", I will take care of my family, and I will continually praise the One who made me.

John 5:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 6:40 
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

If you are reading this and you don't know if you are saved or not, ask yourself this: do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?  If you're not sure, ask Him right now to forgive you of your sins and accept the free gift of salvation that He died to give you.  Trust in Jesus.  Receive Him as your Savior today and know that you will be with Him in heaven forever.

We never know what day we will leave our things left undone.

 John 14:6 
 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”