Grandpa Tumblebug

The last week has been tough for my family, especially my wife. When we arrived at bible study, July 2nd, her Father's car was not there as it usually is. We didn't think much about it at the time, but when he had not arrived by the end of class concern began to arise, especially when I was questioned as to where he was by a special friend. My wife was more than a little concerned by then and went to check on him, finding that he has peacefully passed away in his sleep. Needless to say, none of us expected this, although he had major bypass surgery five years ago. He had been doing very well, and I had talked with around 10 pm Saturday night, after he came home from playing the country music he loved.

All the events from the past week have caused me to remember some important statements , from the bible, concerning the brevity of life and how quickly it can end.

(Eccl. 6:12) For who knoweth what is good for man in his life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

(Job 14:1) Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble.

(Job 9:25) Now my days are swifter than a post: They flee away, they see no good

(Psalms 90:9,10) For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: We bring our years to an end as a sigh.The days of our years are threescore years and ten,
Or even by reason of strength fourscore years; Yet is their pride but labor and sorrow; For it is soon gone, and we fly away.

(James 4:14) whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

(Proverbs 27:1) Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Grandpa Tumblebug (my son's nickname for him) was not afraid to die, because he was prepared. He understood the above scriptures which show us life is not guaranteed to anyone, and can end without warning. He also knew that each of us will be held responsible before God for how we have lived our life (Heb.9:27). Knowing this, we encourage all to live so they can say with the apostle Paul "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. " (Phil. 1:21)