He would’ve been 53 today.  We would’ve celebrated our 29^th wedding anniversary this year.  I’m watching our children grow into amazing men and young women without him.  I share this, not to cause sadness or illicit sympathy, but to declare that my husband, Rob, lived a good, full life and is now perfectly whole and rejoicing with his Creator, his Heavenly Father and his Savior.  I am the blessed one that got to be his wife and have our children with.  Our children are the blessed ones that got to know the best man and earthly father.  I see his face, hear his laugh and see him every day in our children.  I share all of this to remind you that this life is short.  This life and everything in it are temporary.  But we are eternal!  The people in your life are not bodies with souls, but are eternal souls with bodies.  C.S. Lewis once stated, “there are no ordinary people…it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit.”  Remember this as you go about your days and interact with those around you. 

I met someone, just a few days ago, who knew and remembered Rob.  She remembered his love for baseball and for his kids.  She remembered his faithfulness and generosity in jumping in whenever he was needed.   Sometimes we get caught up in what great things we can achieve in this life.  We think that’s how we’ll leave a great legacy or how we’ll be remembered.  But, actually, it’s the little things, things you may not think too much about, a kind word, a helping hand, a comforting shoulder, a prayer, that leave their mark on other people.  Those are the memories that live on in others and these are the things our Heavenly Father notices and loves because He told us that the greatest commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39.  So, when you’re loving others, you’re loving Him first and loving your neighbor second.  We are eternal creatures and all the riches and accolades that seem to mean so much here, aren’t worth anything in the Kingdom of God’s economy.  Love others well today.  Ask Holy Spirit to open your eyes and your heart to someone that needs healing, that needs love.  Ask for wisdom to know how to love them.  He is faithful when we seek Him. 

If you’re walking through a valley right now, remember to look up and seek Jesus.  Ask him, “Where are you?” Cry out to Him that you’re nothing without Him and you desperately need Him.  Confess your sins to Him.  He loves you and will answer you.  Listen for His voice.  Remember that all of this world and everything in it are temporary.  Your circumstances will change.  But the Kingdom of God is eternal and His peace, joy and righteousness is yours now and forever.