Twelve years past, I left dad’s service with mixed emotions. My dad was a great guy, person, and role model. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather. He was intelligent and was respected by his co-workers, was a rugged outdoors-man and loved to hunt and fish. He was a man’s man. Dad was a believer and active in his church and I really loved the man.
My dad is the catcher in the center.

I must wonder as I look back on the sum of my life and looking toward my own mortality; did I make a difference by being here? How many would show up at my service. Would I get a favorable review? How many lives have I left better off by being here?

Again, my dad was a great man. He even played 18 years professional baseball and played with some of the greats like Ted Kluszewski. He started in ’37 and went through ’54. In his last year, he still managed to lead the league in batting average with .343.  If he were in a room with 50 other men, he’d be the one to which you’d gravitate. He had a presence. My dad was a man with which a person could emulate. He was an animal. He’s with Jesus right now and I miss him greatly.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps [1 Peter 2:21 KJV]

I’d like to share a snippet from an announcement of another family member that could have been written for dad. It prompted me to reflect on my own life. This snippet encapsulated dad’s life and the man with which the announcement was written.

A man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of his wife and children; who has met his goal and accomplished his tasks; who leaves the world better than he found it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

We all, no doubt, have had someone in our lives with whom we have looked up to and with whose presence has made things better for us simply by their presence. Given the above snippet, that thought made me think about whose lives I’d made better simply by my presence. My dad gave those around him many reasons for looking up to him. How well had I lived?

According to the snippet, I’d fallen short in an item or two but one thing I proudly leave for this world, is my kids. They are my legacy and it is the main thing I’ve done to make this world a better place.

How many of us can say, I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith [1]? It is never too late to get back on track and to recapture our course. We can do this through our faith in Jesus Christ who is the ultimate person to emulate [2].

Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life [3]. He is the answer to everything [4]. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord [5]. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and He will save you [6].

Lord, I am still trying to fight the good fight. I am about to finish my course and I have kept the faith. I did the best I could at emulating you Lord. Please forgive my failures. Thank you for your Word, grace, and mercy, without which, I’d of finished my course long ago. Lord, like Hezekiah, could you grant me 15 years to finish your mandated work of me. But your will be done, in Jesus name, AMEN.

Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. [7].
___________________________
[1] 2nd Timothy 4:7
[2] Romans 8:28, 29, 1 Peter 2:21
[3] John 14:6
[4] Philippians 4:19
[5] Joshua 24:15
[6] Romans 10:9
[7] Psalms 37:5