Walkin' on Streets of Gold

That's where my childhood pastor is right now. After living a life of dedication and service to the Lord, his journey in this life has come to an end. Such a joy and comfort to know that we will see him again on the other side!

My Pastor--there are truly not quite just the right words to describe him. I can say that he meant an awful lot to an awful lot of people. He was the biggest joker and loved to laugh, but he also had the biggest heart to love others, no matter their situation. The amount of influence that he had on my little hometown is without measure. Years of faithfulness, hard work, and loving and pouring out his heart to people.

My parents (who are celebrating their 40th anniversary) were married by this man of God. It was the first wedding that he performed and he got off on the right foot, because it stuck! {Smile}

This shows how far back he went with my family. He was an important part from the very beginning. He's the man that showed my parent's their need for a Saviour and led them to the Lord all those years ago. Waaaaaaaayyy before I was even a thought.

Of course, this begs the ?; What would have become of us had Pastor not come to our town? Where would my parents/our family be? On the straight and narrow path? Thankfully, we'll never know and we don't need to worry about that. Because Pastor did come. He moved his growing family to our little town and carved out a work for the Lord. I am so glad that he did!

The church, I am sure, will be packed to overflowing with the many relatives and loved ones that were privileged to be a part of his life, and he, of their lives. So today, in my hometown their are tears mingled with joy. Tears for the sadness we feel in not having him with us any longer. Joy at the thought that he is finally walkin' on streets of gold and seeing his precious Saviour's face. It's not so much a sad and gloomy funeral, rather than a celebration of his life, a life well-spent in service to the Lord. After all that's really the only kind that counts.

"Thank you, Pastor.

For ALL that you have done

for me, my family, my church, and my community.

Thank you for being a shining light

in a dark, sin-filled world.

With a grateful heart--

Not goodbye, but 'See you later.' "