Just Smile
and
Have a Good Day

The Joy of a Life Lived 

It was this day one year ago that changed my life forever.  The loss of a child is something you never plan for (thank goodness – or you would miss the joy of life).  As the day unfolded and the pieces started to come together that the reason Ty was not responding was that he couldn’t, I remember thinking how thankful I was for the day before………

It was this day (Aug 31) one year ago that I’ll never forget helping Tyler load his new bike “Smirk” onto the trailer after getting it all hooked up to the truck (Bop’s Truck-his grandfather’s truck).  Tyler had booked his first hotel room on his own and was headed off to Madison for a Faith of Fear Automotive Car Rally the next morning.  He would be there, or should I say “Smiles” would be there spreading the joy of an infectious smile and personality that was so pure in the joy of life itself.  He drove out of the yard and it was one of those proud dad moments, when you realize that your child has grown into a young man fully capable of doing life on his own.  I remember when he facetimed me from his hotel room to “rub it in” just a bit that he got a room on the top floor furthest from the elevator (he knows that’s my preference all the time – and my latest travels had not been good in securing that preference for me) We had such a great conversation and he was so excited to see his group of friends at the rally the next day.  I remember thinking how thankful I was that I did not have to worry about the choices he would make, I knew he had a heart for Jesus and that he would try to live in a way that influenced people to have that same heart for Jesus.  I think that is one of the greatest gifts a father can have.  

I often tell people that in spite of my shortcomings both of my boys have grown into young men who love Jesus and seek to follow him in everyday life.  I know without a doubt that I did not do things perfectly or for that matter nor did I do it right most of the time.  As any dad knows, there is so much in life as a dad you just sort of try and figure it out as you go.  One thing I know is that through life I try to make sure that both my boys knew I loved them and that most importantly I loved Jesus.  I was (am) constantly reminded of Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in discipline and instructions of the Lord.”  I think that I need that constraint reminder, …..”bring them up in discipline and instructions of the Lord.”  When I am reminded of that it reminds me that I must be dedicated to knowing those “instructions of the Lord” if I want to be able to bring my children up in them.

As I take time today to look at the life of my boys, I’m so grateful that I know without a doubt they personally know and love Jesus.  I think about Tyler and all the stories I have been told about his connection to people in an online world but he took the time to chat with them and speak and show Jesus’s love.  And to look at Dylon now raising his young family, teaching and showing them Jesus’s love, it fills my heart.  

We all have a number of days written and planned from God our creator before we were formed (Psalm 139:16) and I know that over this last year, I am so much more focused on that very truth. To see the impact one person can have in this world challenges me to be engaged in each day no matter where the Lord puts me.  The line I have been using is that I pick my foot up and the Lord puts it down right where he wants it.  Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  If I want to make sure I am right where the Lord wants to me be I need to in His word (the Bible) and spending time with Him each day.  For I know that I may plan my way but the Lord directs my steps (Proverbs 16:9) 

So as this day starts and I remember this date as a date that changed my life forever, I simply pray that the Lord directs my steps right to where He needs me to be today.  I know that He has Tyler right where He wants all of us to be; in heaven with our Lord and Savior living out eternity in His glorious presence.  I’m forever grateful to the one and only true God who loved us so much that He gave His only Son to come to earth and live a perfect live so He could die on a cross as the perfect sacrifice for my sins and that He rose 3 days later, over coming death and making away for me to spend eternity in His glory in heaven.  All I need to do is believe in that truth. (John 3:16)

As I continue on this journey in life, I will always “Just Smile and Have a Good Day!”

-Gabe