Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
On Saturday, Vicki and I went to Amarillo to watch Piper while Charity’s team played volleyball. Before we could go we had to pick up Piper from Chasity. We were going to meet Chasity at Rosa’s at Soncy and Hillside then eat lunch with her, Amayah and Piper.
We arrived first and were standing out in front waiting for them to arrive. When they pulled up Chasity got out and was smiling then said, “Piper saw you all and said – ‘That’s my Memaw and Papa!’” Then we heard Piper call out to us.
Piper was so full of life while we ate. She just kept talking between every bite of rice and beans. She would take a drink of her tea and then back to talking and eating. I tell you that girl is full of life!
After we finished we changed out the car seat, loaded her up and headed out to River Road. By the time we made it up to 45th and Soncy she was out! She slept all the way out to River Road and even let me carry her in with her head on my shoulder. She didn’t really wake up until we stepped in to the gym and she heard someone holler.
All through the game she just played and talked with us, her Daddy and anyone else that would listen. She was the normal Piper - so full of life and joy. Yes, she was happy to be able to play. When she pulled on my arm and said, “Papa, watch!” I would watch. As the time went on I was a bit tired of chasing her. She was just so full of energy.
But then I thought back to when they pulled up to eat and Piper said – ‘That’s my Memaw and Papa!’ I am so thankful that Piper knows that we are hers and she is ours. I don’t ever want her to forget that we love her and will be there for her as long as we are here!
As I thought about that I realize that God desires the same of us. He wants us to know how great His love for us is and it reaches from eternity to where we are. John 3:16 says – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
I believe that the love God has for us will never end. He will continue to reach out to us and seek to draw us to Himself. He will love us each step of the way through this life and when it comes our time to leave this life, He will take us home to be with Him forever.
My Dad always said that when he got to heaven all he wanted to do was see Jesus. I can only imagine that when he saw Jesus in that moment that he said – “That’s my Jesus!” All that he waited for through the years came about when he stepped out of this life into heaven.
I want Piper and all of my grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) to know that Vicki and I will never leave them. Just as God promised Joshua – “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of our life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5).
Our desire is for them to see Jesus in us and for them to know that we will always be there for them. Yet above all we want them to know that Jesus will always be there for them, trust Him as their Savior, so when they see Jesus they will say – “That’s my Jesus!”
It is my prayer that each one who reads this will be looking forward to that time when they enter into heaven, see Jesus and are able to say – “That’s my Jesus!”
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
