He
really was one of the greats.
We
often reserve this title for the famous. But I think it more
accurately describes him, then it does the majority of people we
actually use it for. The impact he had on this world is immeasurable.
His story was one worthy of being retold.
We
all have many fond memories of him. The places he has lived, the
stories he has told, the jobs he has had, the laughs we have shared.
The predicaments he has been in... Certainly all worthy of being
told, and worth remembering. But for now I would like to focus on
something more important than what he did. I would like to talk about
who he was. The part of his story I would like to focus on is who he
was.
He
was one of the hardest workers I knew. Whether he was running the
feed mill, working the lumber camp, running the grocery store,
selling properties... In all he did he did his best, and what was
needed to provide for his family.
He
was was a gentle hearted, caring man. Caring about and serving others
wasn't just something he did, an obligation that he filled. It was
who he was. For me, what stands out wasn't so much the service he
did, with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, or the Gideons.
But more so the direct influence he had on those around him. How many
people are going to church, reading the bible, have accepted the Lord
into their lives because he got to know them on the bus, on the way
to work, or on the C-train. How many strangers did he take the time
to talk to, to befriend, to help, to give rides to (even to his own
peril), to share the gospel with? As this kindness, this love spreads
through others? Exponential growth. Immeasurable.
He
knew what he believed in, and had absolute faith. Faith can be
contagious. I felt it spread to me whenever I was around him,
bolstering my own faith, as I am sure it did to others. His life was
testimony, and he openly shared his concerns, his desires for others
to walk in the way of the Lord. Being with him, it would have been
hard not to share his desires.
It sums up best like this: "But the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". As I
quote Galatians 5:22-23, I wonder, how is it possible
for a man to have ALL of these qualities? And yet, I read the list
again, and yes, it's like its a perfect description. If anything
was an indication of his relationship with the Lord it's this.
So who was he? A great man, a true servant of the Lord.
This is why I respected him. But, this is not why I loved him. There was something else.
What made me love Grandpa Penner had nothing to do with what a great man he was. No; rather, it was how he loved his family. It was how his eyes lit up when we visited him. It was how he cared about our walk with God, about who we married, about what was going on in our life. It was his deep desire to see us grow up to be children of God. It was his warmth, his hospitality, his friendly conversations. I knew exactly how much Grandpa cared about us. You could see the glow around his face on every visit. It's these things that I valued most. Things things that bring the tears to my eyes. It was the loving grandfather.
Grandpa,
I loved you too. I will miss you. And I look forward to seeing you again!
On December 1, 2013, my grandpa Penner passed away. Our prayers go out to Grandma, and the Penner family. While they are together in Calgary, we are stuck in Argentina. So instead of honouring him with my presence, I have tried to honour him with my words. Grandpa will be sorely missed by friends and family, but those who knew him, know he's having a heck of a time without us right now in heaven.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I
am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time
for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good
fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown
of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will
award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who
have longed for his appearing.
Michael, Kent and I send you our condolences and love in this time..hard to be away from family when we say good-bye to a loved one. Thank God for Heaven and eternity which is where we will be .... together forever. Till then much love and prayers in your time of loss.
ReplyDeleteI believe we spent the evening with your grandpa and grandma at Brian's wedding. Very lovely man! What an honour you did for him. He would be so proud of your love towards him and that you recognize his greatest strengths...in Jesus. Big hugs to you and your sweetheart. May you comfort each other in your arms of love.