Devotions from Judy’s heart

Today is the day we celebrate my dad’s life and I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful dad. I never wondered how he would receive me as I felt his arms were always open with unconditional love. The last time I was with him, I tucked a prayer shawl around him to keep him warm.  His speech was getting hard to understand but he mentioned the picture of Hackensack on his wall, and we talked about the wonderful memories there. Oh how he loved nature and the beauty of the woods. His bed was low so I just knelt by his bed and prayed for him. The last words I said to him were that I loved him and those were his last words to me. I didn’t know at the time that it would be the last time I would see dad here on earth. But even if I did know, that would be the message I would want him to know. Dad you did good. You were the best dad! I love you!  How important it is to let the people around us know how we feel about them, and not just take for granted they know.  God can use our words to bring encouragement, comfort, love, peace, hope, joy, etc. Let us be led by His Spirit to speak words of love and life to others. In Col 4:6 Paul encourages us to “let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” When I think of it I don’t remember my dad ever putting me down by his words. Sorry to say I’m sure our kids can’t say the same about me.