A dear man, my Grandpa Elvin, passed away this last Monday. Though he was often a man of few words, he taught not only with what he said, but also with his actions. A quick overview of his impact in my life showed me several things:
1. Heroes often go unnoticed.
Cartoon heroes can be found everywhere; in comic books, the toy aisle, coloring books, TV shows, and even on cereal boxes! Everyone in their stories knows when they have saved the day because the hero is instantly cheered for, praised, and rewarded. These heroes are dynamic, flashy, "perfect" characters who are easily recognized.
Cartoon heroes can be found everywhere; in comic books, the toy aisle, coloring books, TV shows, and even on cereal boxes! Everyone in their stories knows when they have saved the day because the hero is instantly cheered for, praised, and rewarded. These heroes are dynamic, flashy, "perfect" characters who are easily recognized.
But real heroes don't look that way.
If the casual observer saw my grandpa Elvin in his last years, watching birds, talking about sports, or taking it easy in his recliner, they probably would not have said to themselves, "There sits a hero."
However, the casual observer would have been wrong.
My grandpa served his country in WWII after he was drafted into the war. He left behind his pregnant wife to put his life on the line for our freedom. As a result, he suffered a nearly fatal gunshot in the stomach, and also saw many of his friends die in combat.
Of course, the casual observer would not have know any of this.
The world today puts more weight on appearance and talent rather than character. Crowds gather and give praise to a singer for his voice, and actors are idolized for their faces and "talent" of pretending. Sadly, these are the "heroes" of many people today.
However, true heroes are those serve and go about their day-to-day lives with little to no recognition for their deeds; they don't get their own tv shows, actions figures, or cereal boxes. They are found in in combat, fighting house fires, keeping citizens safe, or giving the Gospel on foreign missions fields. They are those who are willing to give up their own lives-both figuratively and literally-for the sake of someone else.
So don't judge a book by its cover. Like my grandpa, everyone has a story, and if we would just take the time to leave our world and enter someone else's, we might be surprised what we could learn from them.
2. You're only as old as you feel.
My grandpa lived to be 94, however, his seemingly sudden health decline and home-going managed to take me a little by surprise! Why? Because he never acted 94, so I never thought of him that way!
The precious memories I have of my grandpa Elvin are of a happy man, full of laughter and life. He was a kind, light-hearted man who always had a joke to tell or something witty to say! (He often teased my brothers by turning his age around and telling them he was only 49!)
I don't recall ever hearing him complain about his health, age, or...anything! So I say to those of us who are still young and able-bodied; what do we have to complain about? God is good, and you're only as old as you feel!
And lastly, but perhaps most importantly:
3. He taught me something about God's love.
My Grandpa Elvin was technically not related to me by blood-my dad's dad passed away before I was born, and my dad's mom re-married my grandpa Elvin.
Of course, as a child, I didn't know that, but even after I learned of this, it didn't make a difference to me.
Why?
Because my grandpa Elvin never treated my siblings and I any differently than his own blood-related grandchildren. He always received our presence with a smile and a hug, and he loved to have us around and spend time with us. (Bless his heart-he tried very hard to keep all 11 of our names straight!)
His love for me and my siblings was obvious.
Reflecting on this caused me to think of the love God has for me (as well as all His children).
He accepts us each as we are, from the moment He adopts us into His family.
He does not treat one child any better than another.
He always welcomes our presence when we approach His throne in prayer, and He loves when we spend time with Him! (And despite His large number of children, He can still keep our names straight! ;) )
He does not treat one child any better than another.
He always welcomes our presence when we approach His throne in prayer, and He loves when we spend time with Him! (And despite His large number of children, He can still keep our names straight! ;) )
His love for us is obvious, if we will just take the time to notice it!
Convicted yet? Don't worry, I was too.
Grandpa Elvin lived a full life, and I felt that the lessons he taught me should be shared with others. Yes, I miss him, as does the rest of my family. But, my grandpa has a clear testimony of salvation, and heaven is closer than we think. With that in mind, we don't have to say goodbye, just, "See ya later." :,)
