Lord, Teach Us...

This has been a very thought provoking week for me. My Grandma (Gertie) is not doing well, a very close friend of our family is in his last days, & Uncle Virgil passed away this week. I'm sharing this letter that my Dad wrote about a month ago after visiting with Uncle Virgil.

April 24, 2008-
Today I had the privilege of visiting with one of the great men of our community. About 6 weeks ago, Mr. Virgil Strickland of Claxton found out that he had terminal cancer. I have always known Mr. Virgil as a gracious, kind, humble man who loved the Lord and served Him with a sincere heart. So it comes as no surprise, that in these difficult days of illness and emotional stress that he is still a gracious, kind, humble man who truly loves the Lord and serves Him. We are proud to be part of this family since Aunt Ann, Mr. Virgil's wife, is Miriam's first cousin once removed.
I write about him today because there are too few like Mr. Virgil. Aunt Ann said that in the 60 something years they have been married, she has not heard anyone say anything bad about Mr. Virgil and he has not said bad things about others. Oh, that we all could control our tongues and thoughts more. Mr. Virgil taught Sunday School many, many years and led in a Thursday morning prayer breakfast until just recently. Oh, for those who will faithfully serve and find ways to minister and serve the Lord, just because they love the Lord and love people. We live in a day when those who should lead and serve want to just sit and be served. When Mr. Virgil was a young man, he left his expecting wife and family to go and serve out country in a time of war. Oh, for men and women who are willing to sacrifice for causes that are more important than making a dollar or winning a ball game. Mr. Virgil's love is seen in his care for his family and his friends as he put others ahead of himself. Oh, for people who truly love others and who are real friends. Every time I was around Mr. Virgil, he made me feel important and loved. Oh, for that gift to be manifested in all of our lives.
I could go on, but space does not allow.
Mr. Virgil is truly a kind, white-haired southern gentleman, who knows the Lord and has faithfully served the Lord. He has fought a good fight and has kept the faith. His condition is terminal. But so is yours. Don't wait too long to get into the game. Time is running out.
Lord, teach us to number our days, and apply our hearts to wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
Because He Lives,
Gregg