By Judy Villanueva
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1John 7-8)
When I was little, my dad promised my siblings and me that he would live to be one hundred years old. I look back on this now and wonder if this was such a good idea since he had no control over the hour of his death but, he said it and we believed it. My dad also said, and still says, “I love you.” Pause. “Forever and ever!” We do the same, and when we part, we press our cheeks together and say, “Eeee-Eeee.” As I write this, my dad lays at home in hospice care, gently (and sometimes not so gently) letting go of this life and preparing for the new life that awaits him. We, too, are in the throws of preparing — saying our goodbyes and struggling to accept and surrender to the loss of a man who has shown us what it looks like to love well. I might even go as far to say that the power of my dad’s love led me to Christ, even though he was a stubborn agnostic.
There is no doubt in my mind that love has power, and I mean that with all the intensity I can muster. The love of God is a force! It holds and heals us. It imparts life and touches a soul-place in us that nothing else can touch. Think of the last time LOVE reached out and touched you, or the last time love flowed through you to touch another. It is not benign! Giving and receiving love changes us, and always for the better because…
Love cries out with a message from Heaven!
It tells us that we are known and connects us to the reality that we are loved by God. Do you know that you are loved by God? This is the truth that pours pure joy over our heads and empowers us to live life to the full. This is the reality that I believe God wants to make manifest in and through our lives.
It’s unlikely that my dad will make it to his 90th birthday. He is ten years shy of keeping his promise, but we won’t hold that against him because, while he may not have the power to live to be one hundred, he’s always had the power to love and that he has done generously for decades! Did I forget to tell you that he finally gave his life to Christ 3 months ago?! Knowing that when he leaves our embraces he will be received by the most faithful arms of God, is absolutely the most precious gift I can imagine! I recently found the letter my dad wrote to me on my eighteenth birthday and, at the risk of being sentimental, I’d like to say back to him what he said me so many years ago.
“Now, your time is here. Fly, my love, and drink in all the happiness and Love that waits for you” — in Heaven.
I love you, dad…forever and ever. Eeee-Eeee!
“Thank you, Father God, for the dad you gave me and for all the ways his love led me to you. Surround him with your angels now and give him the cheek hug of his life! Amen.”
Worship
My dear Judy? this blog actually gave me the chills. What a beautiful story of LOVE. Your strength and spirit gives me joy. I love you dear Cousin and am thinking of you and the fam and praying daily☝️? Lori
The most beautiful love story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Eee Eee
It is all so true and it is at moments like this, when that curtain is opening for someone we love, that we suddenly grasp on a whole new level, that what matters most in this life is love.
As I read your words, Judy, I recalled a similar lesson from my own life. I wasn’t dealing with the loss of someone to death, but I felt like I might be loosing my relationship with one of my children due to their selfish behavior.
My mind was constantly bogged down, fixated on how to guide my errant child and for the millionth time, I prayed for THE SOLUTION, the one that make it all better. It was during this time that I began to understand how important it was for me to put aside my worry and begin to love in the moment. No matter how badly my child was lashing out, I could with God’s help, choose to keep on loving. I had to resist the urge to close myself off from that child and instead do what Jesus did – love without counting the cost.
I still struggle with this particular child but your words, Judy, remind me today to stay the course and to keep on loving.
Oh that was a beautiful tribute to your dad❤️ A life well lived and loved by many. What a legacy he leaves through you, his children.
Knowing and loving you these past 6-7 years helps me see a glimpse of your precious parents. You know we are them in many ways. God bless him and each of you as you release him to his Creator and Savior. ?✝️? I Love You!
Sweet Judy! So so precious are your words to your Dad… praying you .. love u sandi
What a Beautiful tribute to your dad, and your heavenly father! And, Yes, Love does have power! May God’s Power, Love and Sound Mind keep you all during this season. Love you, Nan
I knew this love from my dear Daddy,also. I am praying for you and your family Judy.
Judy, what a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dad. I am going to treasure your words- love is a force- and fly, my love, and drink in all the happiness. I love you and may God bless Bob.
Beautifully said once again my dear cousin?
I love you
He taught you to love well too, Judy. A lasting legacy of love ❤️. So grateful you will see him again!!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful message! Love to you Judy.