Amazing Fullness

 A few years back I put together a celebration of life slideshow for a dear departed member of my family as I have done several times before.  When I work on these slideshows I try to help tell the story of the loved one in a way that would bring a sense of fullness to family and loved ones during a time that could feel so empty to so many people. There are several photos that I use to tell the story but every once in a while there is a photo that helps show nearly everything this person was to so many people.  He is standing tall in the opening of a door that leads to a fishing vessel that defined generations of my family.  His right hand gripped onto a steel rope line that connected to the port side outrigger.  I was able to see in this one single photo not just his nice new fishing boat but a history of a man that; through hard determined work, built a legacy that his family cherishes and is defined by to this day.  

Some might say that the photo of my Grandpa Vance revealed a sense of scarcity but I see it quite differently.  This photo of my Grandpa showed a full life, a life lived in gratitude, a life that he loved to share with others in his life.  No matter the circumstance or the challenging experiences in his life, my Grandpa always wanted to share that fullness of life with those that he loved.  

In John 10: verse 10 Jesus mentions:  “life . . . to the full”. We really mess things up when we equate full with many things outside of the blessings of God. The fullness Jesus speaks of isn’t related to worldly things like riches or property, but rather a heart, mind, soul, and strength shining in gratitude that Jesus; the Good Shepherd, gave “His life for the sheep” John 10:11, and totally cares for us and everything we need. This is a full life—enjoying relationship with God—that’s possible for every one of us.

Love you all so much. 

Love and miss you Grandpa but I know you are looking out for us.  

J