On May 23 I left church with my husband and we drove to San Francisco for my flight to Memphis, TN. My husband and I entered the airport as he lugged my heavy suitcase through SF International Airport. There was a bit of excitement in me yet some very mixed feelings as I was about to leave my sweetheart at home. We went to a small café and ate a salad and shared about my trip to his home. I felt bad leaving him because his parents would only see me and not their son. As time went by it was time to go through that point of no return. The place where you give a fast kiss and hug and then you go to board your plane. I started to cry and he said you must be strong for your dad.

See, dad had planned to go to Mississippi before he began his cancer treatment in June. As I reflected on his going home I felt compelled in my heart to go and be with him. I arrived in Memphis at 11:00 pm and had to go pick up my rental car. After that I would drive for 1 hour and 45 minutes. But the wonderful blessing I received when I arrived at thehotel was that my dad, brother, and nephew were waiting up for me.

Isn’t that so like our Lord, he waits patiently for us to come to him? And when we do he is there with loving arms to welcome us. I was home with dad and it felt so wonderful and that night I thanked the Lord for allowing me to be with him.

During the days ahead we drove many miles of memories with our dad and his life as a young boy. He showed us many places that he and his parents lived. He shared with us about the great depression. He told us of the love his parents had for each other. I stood in the little creek where my grandparents were baptized. We went to the school reunion where dad had attended as a child. We drove to the farm and all stood on grandma’s front porch. We attended a family reunion and most of all we shed many tears.

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9

Again, God showed me the rich heritage I have come from. Even though my family came out of the great depression they were very rich in love. Dad shared with me how much he missed his mom and dad. I have to admit it stirred my heart as their youngest son hurt for their company. Yet, as we all stood on the porch of time I felt God’s presence and knew I would see the loved ones who reside in heaven.

God has truly kept his covenant with our family through the years. Many have gone to be in his presence but we who are still here have a rich heritage of love to pass on to this generation.

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:1-2

I found myself panting for God to give me strength and joy during this time with dad. Even though dad will undergo treatment at 80 years old, God filled me with faith and hope. He showed me how much he loved dad and how in our trip he was meeting dad’s needs in his life.

Going home with dad was joyful, tearful, and filled with hope. God showed me that somebody prayed for our generation to come to him. God truly kept his promise above to our family and I pray God will continue to call our family into his kingdom.

Spend time with your family and share your rich heritage. Somewhere somebody prayed for your salvation and this should spurn you to do the same. Thank God for that prayer warrior and I encourage you to pray for your family. You will never know whose life will be changed because of your prayer. God Knows…..

Lord, I thank you that you are keeping the promise of our great-grandparents and grandparents. I know now they must have prayed for us to receive your gift because salvation did come to our houses. Thank you Lord for allowing me to testify of your hope that lives within my being. Please Lord may I be as faithful to pray for the generations to come. As you knew me before I was born, you know those to come. Let our lights shine so our family will pass on faith in action. Never let us be ashamed of the past generation. We all wait for our heavenly home and Lord you have kept your promise. Thank you my Lord. AMEN