He gives and He takes away

This past week we lost a special man in our congregation. He had been sick for most of the time he was at Crossroads. Both Brad and I wished we would of gotten to know him better. He lived a full life serving in the military as a Chaplain. I think he was a Sargent too, but I forget what rank he held. I believe he had 3 children, I have gotten to know his wife just a little. He died this past Thursday and on Sunday when we went to church we sat a few rows in back of his wife, his 3 kids, their spouses, and all the grandchildren. It was so humbling to see them all worshipping at church. They all looked beautiful, and even though I know they were grieving they were also rejoicing in the fact that they knew he had gained his inheritance in Heaven. He was no longer sick any longer. The first song we sang I could barely get these words out b/c not only were these grieving people singing this song they were living, breathing, and finding the hope and comfort in these words: "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mr. Konyyenbelt left a footprint on my heart. His legacy and the one his wife is showing others by her strength in trusting God's will with this next phase of her life was such a blessing for me to witness. Another song we sang on Sunday went like this and it was ever so appropriate: "High King of Heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'n's Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all."