The Kindly Father

Yesterday Dave and I were blessed to be with our dear friends at the Celebration of Life for their father.

Leon was a kindly man – a stately man – an honest man and a true cowboy. He lived and loved fully for his eighty-nine years.

His family shared some of their best memories – from his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren came memories of tenderness and caring. He taught them to work hard, respect others, and have fun. He was a good neighbor and a faithful friend.

I had been asked to share, his daughter wanted to be sure the people who came had an opportunity to hear the Gospel.

After hearing the testimony of his life by those who knew and loved him dearest, the Lord brought these verses to mind.

“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
⁹ He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. ¹⁰ He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. ¹¹ For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. ¹² He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.¹³ The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:8-13 NLT

Leon was a living example of God’s love, encouragement, kindness, and instruction. A good man, an intelligent man, one who enjoyed the simple and honest things of life.

Never doubt the kindness and compassion of our heavenly Father. God is good!

“⁵ How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! ⁶ The Lord protects those of childlike faith;  I was facing death, and he saved me. ⁷ Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.” Psalm 116:5-7 NLT

Do you know someone like Leon? We should all be so blessed. God gives us special people like him to show us God’s character in human form.

God is the good and kindly Father.