I was just sitting look out my window today wishing I could go fishing and thought of my Grandpa. He passed away about 7 years ago and we used to spend a lot of time together fishing. I was reminded of how his life had impacted me which lead me to search my old computer files to find an old poem and prayer I had written for his funeral. Thought I would share them with you...
EVERYTHING NOT GIVEN IS LOST
My Grandpa and I spent much time together
We would go fishing each night despite the bad weather
He would tell me long stories about the days gone past
I would just sit and wonder how long it would last
He would talk about fishing, skiing and swimming
But what stuck out most was all the love he had given
He gave away batteries, boats and tools of every kind
But what impressed me the most was the way he gave his time
If a stranger was stranded or in need of assistance
Rusty Bucket was there and he would go the distance
He would give them a part, some gas or a ride
But he would never just pass by on the other side
Even in dying Grandpa gave of himself
Donating his body to help further our health
You see my grandpa taught me a very valuable lesson
It’s not about kind words or even how well you listen
It’s not about fame, fortune or wealth
It’s not about possessions that you can claim for yourself
It’s not about looking good in the eyes of men
It’s not even about avoiding that nature to sin
He taught me the lesson, but there is a cost
Everything not given will surely be lost
If my Grandpa were here I know what he would say
Stop crying for me that’s a waist of your day
Get out and live your life the best that you can
Make a difference in this world for your fellow man
Your cars, your houses, and all the wealth you’ve acquired
They won’t go with you when your life has expired
It is so tragic when a love one dies
Holding on to wealth with greed in their eyes
But even more tragic is a life with out Jesus
For we know up in heaven they will not meet us
Holding on to your soul has the greatest cost
So please remember – Everything not given is lost!
Lord,
Thank you for lakes,
Thank you for boats,
Thank you for skiing,
Thank you for fishing,
Thank you for giving us someone to teach us how to enjoy these gifts,
Thank you for long nights on the pontoon jigging around the lights,
Thank you for cold coffee and Grandma’s fried pies,
Thank you for teaching me that there is one perfect way to tie a knot, and helping me to realize that I will never be able do it,
Thank you for little cabins built by loving hands,
Thank you for nick names,
Thank you for great daddies, who raise their daughters to be great mommies,
Thank you for funny faces only Grandpas can make when they take out their false teeth,
Thank you for frogs, turtles and pink little elephants to blame all our mishaps on,
Thank you for goofy little songs sung by deep gruff voices,
And thank you for long stories that we’ve all heard 100 times.
Thank you for blessing our lives with the life of Harlin Russel Hampton. Help us Lord to follow your example that he strived for throughout his life. Teach us that it is in giving that we truly do receive. For we know that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
I pray that even in his death that you will use his life to touch those in this service today. And if there is someone here that has never experience the abundant and glorious life that you give, that you will use the testimony of my Grandfather’s life to help them see their need for you. Jesus, thank you for Grandpa. In Christ name, Amen
