For everything there is a season

Dear faithful onfire servants of Jesus Christ, It is with sadness mixed with joy that I write to you today. I have shared several personal stories of faith about my father over the last two years. His battle with Altzheimers came to an end on October1 when my dad died in the same home where he was born, 87 years ago. He was a life long member of Efland Presbyterian Church where he attended as long as he was able. He leaves behind a legacy of five children who really loved him. It was our honor to care for him at home with the help of Hospice. Last Monday morning, I got a call from Efland that he was not doing well, and made the trip home. Our family kept vigil with him until he died on Friday. I thank the Lord for the care of his pastor, Rev. Dawn Stoker and for my brother in law from Cullowhee UMC, Rev. David Reeves, for his care and help officiating at my dad's funeral service yesterday.
     In my line of work as a pastor, I have spent the last 18 years living on call to go be by the side of a family in a time spiritual crisis. This past week, when our family was really going through a hard time, we could feel your prayers and we did know that God was present with us. What a great gift of the church to us!  All the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren had their time to spend with my father.  For my family members who have made huge sacrifices to take care of my dad at home, I honor them and respect them so much. My part in caring for my dad was really a small part compared to their labors for him. I feel so blessed to have a family that loved my father so much that they were willing to do all they could to honor his wish to live out his days at home.
     If you have wondered why my articles have not been regular like clock work, it has been because since I was appointed to Deerfield here in Boone, my life has not been regular like clockwork. I made the trip home to see my dad when I could, and each time I could see his decline. I grieved over how I would get to be with him more as he was getting worse. Now, that grief is no more. God already had a plan.
    Life on the farm goes on. My brother Howard is expecting 40,000 strawberry plants today that will need to go in the ground as soon as he can get them planted. That has been our way of life as long as I can remember. A time to reap and a time to sow. A time to laugh and a time to cry. For everything there is a season. My dad was the hardest working man I have ever met. He was a strong man in his heart with integrity, respect, honor and love, constantly at his command. He was strong but gentle, kind and humble. His faith was solid. I never doubted that my daddy trusted God with everything, the farm, his family, even his future when life was uncertain.
   Today remember, God is taking care of you. He will carry you through until you can be strong again on the other side of that valley. I said the 23rd Psalm over and over again in my heart as I sat by my dad's bed last week. As I looked out his bedroom window, he was surrounded by green pastures. The Lord gave him a chance to lie down in green pastures that we could actually see and be reminded that God was there to hold him, comfort him, and fill his cup to over flowing. Praise be to God for the hope we have in Christ. No matter how hard your day may be today, lift up your hearts because God is holding each of us in the palm of his hand. I feel his presence and from all of our family, we thank you for your prayers. God has been our constant supply of strength and comfort and for this, we as a family are so blessed. I am so glad that now, my daddy finally gets to rest from all of his work. To my dad, job well done.