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Put God First - There was nothing he put between himself and his relationship with God. He served Him. He studied Him. He obeyed His commands. You knew that when he woke up in the morning, that was his goal for the day. This is the big reason I don't feel sad when I think about his passing. I know he is exactly where he always longed to be, and is reaping in heaven what he sowed while on earth.
Treat People Well - This one seems like a "duh." We all know it, but very few of us truly live it, day in and day out. But my Grandpa was the exception. He treated everyone like they were family. For him, that meant being willing to give you the shirt off his back, share a joke, and never expect someone to do something he wasn't willing to do himself.
Live Below Your Means - My Grandpa was about as frugal as they come. We are talking to the point that it was a bit painful to watch at times. But the part I find the coolest, is that he was so frugal, not to store up money for himself in his old age, but it was so that he could leverage all that he could for the Kingdom. He tithed faithfully, supported missionaries, supported charities, you name it. Perhaps the most telling is that the last check he wrote, was to the church!
Love Intentionally - My Grandpa never let a visit or conversation go by without verbally acknowledging how much he loved you, how proud he was of you, and how much he appreciated you. But I don't think this came naturally to him. He was raised during a time when dads weren't all mushy gushy with their kiddos. But he made the effort as he became the head of his own family to switch that. I have never heard anyone so intentionally shower their loved ones with love and praise. In fact, my Grandma had a difficult time making the transition herself, not able to verbalize "I love you"...so he would actually speak FOR her...that's just how intentional he was in showing us all love.
Live Boldly - In the last few months of his life he prayerfully made the decision to move from his longtime home out to Arizona to be near all of us. His was scared of the change and feared the unknown. But he felt God answered his prayers telling him to "GO". For an old man who's lived in the same pace for 20 years, it is not an easy move. But I am so thankful he chose to live boldly. It gave all of us 2.5 months together, in the same city. It gave us his last Christmas together. It gave us countless visits. It gave us the opportunity to hold his hands as he took his last breath. That bold move is a great reminder to follow God's answers, even when we are afraid. His choice to live boldly was perhaps the best thing he did for himself in the last few months of his life, and for us.
He was an incredible man, and I cannot wait to see him again!
