Reflections of a man

I visited with a family yesterday that had lost a loved one. A grandfather had passed away. A man that many people remembered fondly. A man that had a legacy. I have spent a lot of time with this family because I married into it but I have only known Grandpa for 12 of his 92 years. Grandpa spent his days living with integrity and placing a high value on honesty which stemmed from his love of God. As the family gathered and reflected at Grandpa and Grandma's home I wandered into the office, which was often turned into a bedroom for the grandchildren. I saw a decorative wood plank that read "rules for the day" on Grandpa's desk. Three simple lines followed the title that directed the reader to not "be anywhere", "do anything " or "say anything" that you wouldn't want to be, do or say when Jesus returns. This plank of wood was a window into a man's heart to express his love and devotion for his Savior. Some might interpret these rules as a legalistic statement born of fear but Grandpa didn't live that way. Grandpa's rules for the day were just a quick reminder that he had chosen to live a life honoring God for all that God had given to Grandpa. Grandpa believed in Jesus and the salvation offered by Him and Grandpa believed in the Holy Spirit sent to guide those that believe. Grandpa chose to live by rules that he felt would best express the love and gratitude he had toward God. I have been impacted in my walk through life by a few good men and Grandpa Gerber is one of them. As always these are my thoughts and this is how I remember a man I knew for to short a time.