Like Job, my father was a man of integrity, a man who loved God. As a boy, he joyfully sang in the church choir. In World War II he served his country faithfully, married his sweetheart and eventually had three children.
Like Job, my father experienced life’s trials, too. When my father and mother were newly married and were still in their twenties, my mother was rushed to the hospital, returning home never to be the same again due to brain damage. Dad spent long hours working a job, arriving home to care for his children until well past nightfall. Dad, a faithful employee, was eventually squeezed out of his position by the boss’ son. Moving to the west coast to start over, he found a job which he loved but which was eventually taken from him as he was forced into an early retirement. Over the remaining years, ill health became evident which resulted in his death at age 78.
Like Job, however, my dad knew that the Lord gives and the Lord allows some things to be taken from us. He knew that he came into the world with nothing and that he would go to meet his Maker with empty hands.
What a good example my Dad was to me. Through it all, like Job, Dad’s attitude was one of “Blessed be the name of the Lord” because he knew and experienced God’s love first hand even though life wasn’t always easy.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job 1:21
Heavenly Father, even when our lives aren’t filled with ease, let us continue to declare with Job, “blessed be the name of the Lord”. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen
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