We WILL Rejoice

Another birthday. Another year.

Oh how I miss you.

You would be 67 today. You’re definitely getting up there:)

You were never one to boast about your birthday. You always said you had everything you needed, so shopping for you was hard.

It would probably be another book or journal.

Or a new tool you would get so excited about using because it would make you feel more like Tim the Tool Man Taylor.

You would probably grill burgers and bbq chicken for dinner.

We would get you dessert and sing and before you know it, there would be tears running down your face because you’re filled with love & gratitude.

To you, a birthday was just another day.

You would probably prefer spending it by serving the neighbors or someone in need at church.

You wouldn’t put your needs or wants first.

I look up to you in that way.

Your selfless heart. The way you served. The way you looked out for others.

You were either the behind-the-scenes guy or a friendly smile greeting you at the door.

You wanted to be a part of things. You wanted to make a difference—quietly.

The way you laughed would be heard across the room.

You were always heard before you were seen, and in this case it was a beautiful thing.

You were known by your loud laugh, bad jokes, and “oops I made a wrong turn.”

Though you would be a sore loser in games, you never dwelt on it. You wanted to have fun and make memories with loved ones.

If the church was in need of something to be done, you were there. You showed up. You gave your time and energy to others. Always.

You will forever be remembered by your chair, Bible, journal, and coffee. That’s how you were known. Your devotion to Christ.

Your slippers would be poking out from the door as you reclined.

We knew to not disturb you as you were with the Lord.

But even when we did, you made it a point to still listen and be present.

You taught me many things, but the most important was love for God and love for others.

I boast about you to many people all of the time.

Not a day goes by where I don’t think about you in some way.

A cardinal flies by, and I know you’re close.

A bush gets trimmed too short, and I laugh thinking about all of the times you trimmed down bushes way too small.

I see lemon loaf at Starbucks, and I think about your many flights from work where you would stop to get a slice to eat alongside your coffee.

Oatmeal will always be a staple in the family, but I will still choose to eat bananas at any time of the day.

Rocky makes me tear up anytime I watch it.

The Chicago Cubs are actually doing fairly well this year—you must be happy and surprised.

You live in my heart and in the little pieces of life all around me every day.

I love you.