A Soldier of Christ

I have to say that I honestly feel I won the jackpot when it comes to family.  I have fond memories of my parents, sister, grandparents, aunts & uncles, and cousins.  As a young child, I had to move out of state with my parents and sister.  I longed for those “trips back home” to see my family.  Trips were often short, but during those times I have some of the most powerful memories.

One such memory was a conversation I had with my grandfather.  My grandfather was a hard worker, often working several jobs to care for his family.  He was also a very generous man.  He was always sliding a little money in your pocket.  As a small kid I thought it was great!  He always asked if I needed anything and always made sure he sent “Christmas Money.”  But as I got older I realized that maybe my grandfather should be saving his money.  What if he got sick?  So, on one of my visits with my grandfather I asked him, “Grandpa, why do you give us so much?  You don’t have to give us anything.”  My grandfather simply smiled and said, “Don’t worry about me. I want to die a poor man; you can’t take it with you.”  He went on to explain, “As you get older you realize that someday you will be gone.  I want to see you enjoy things I give you now.  Everyone assumes that when you go to Heaven you get to look down on your loved ones.  I don’t want to experience your joy from the things I give you while looking down from Heaven, I want to be with you and see it while I’m alive.  Besides no one knows for sure what happens when we go to Heaven.  I may not be able to keep an eye on you from Heaven.  God may have jobs for us?  God may need me to be a Soldier of Christ or a guardian angel to another in need.”

At first I found my grandfather’s comment amusing…my grandfather, the soldier, waving around a sword and fighting off evil.  Bet then I really thought about what he was saying.  Life is short.  Be kind and generous.  Make memories.  God has plans for all us.  And I can’t imagine a better soldier for God to have in his army than my grandfather.  Rest in peace Grandpa; I miss you.