This week’s post has found me experiencing emotions on two opposite sides of the spectrum.  I feel great sadness in my heart but there is an equal part of me that is rejoicing.  Let me explain.  After a time of prolonged illness I have just lost someone who was very dear to me.  He was only 56 years old.  It almost seems unfair that he would be taken so soon.  While my heart hurts that he is no longer with our family I find myself genuinely celebrating the life he lived.  I dare say he squeezed more life and excitement out of his short time here than most would in a hundred years.  You had to know him to understand what I’m really talking about.  To know Randy was to love him.  He lit up every room he walked in.  The party tended to follow him.  Truth be told, the fun didn’t really begin until he arrived—and the party ALWAYS started late because he was NEVER on time.  He was full of energy and had bellowing laugh that could be heard blocks away.  His bright blue eyes danced with excitement every time he came in contact with someone-stranger or loved one.  Though, he never really met a stranger.  Those very same eyes had a glint of mischief in them, like he was privy to information others weren’t.  You see, he had plenty to complain about.  He had more than his fair share of sickness, heartaches, and hardships.  But to the casual onlooker, you would never know it.  Every mannerism and character trait that was ‘Randy Rhodes’ had nothing to do with the world and everything to do with His Heavenly Father.  He was a little glimpse of heaven on earth…….overflowing with joy and happiness, love, acceptance regardless of your past or shortcomings, and so much more.  He never judged others for their life choices but always found a way to remind them of God’s love and the gift of eternal life.

Hebrews 9:27 tells us, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”  It’s not some big secret.  We will all meet our Maker at some point.  The question remains– what are you leaving behind?  I’m not talking about a tangible inheritance or millions of dollars–though I would appreciate someone adding my name to that list.  What are you leaving behind, spiritually speaking, that can serve as a benefit to others?  Your deeds will most likely be forgotten (and for those of us that make constant mistakes– I’ll be the first to admit I am thankful for that truth).  But the things of God never grow old or fade away.  A godly heritage is something that has the capability of reaching far beyond our lifetime and impacting our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so forth.  I encourage you today to, “lay aside ever weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us..” [Heb. 12:1]  You cannot predict when your race will be over but you can choose today to run that race to the best of your abilities leaving behind a Godly example for all you come in contact with.

A few months ago our family was preparing to let Randy go as every doctors report reminded us his time was up.  I find it somewhat comical that, in true “Randy” form, death came knocking but Randy was running late……..again.  He squeezed a little more love, laughter, and a message of hope to those he came in contact with.  I refuse to say goodbye.  Rather I choose to say, “See you soon!!!”  What are YOU leaving behind?

Dewey Randolph “Randy” Rhodes

November 1st, 1958 — May 31st, 2015