Never Alone

“…(Jesus said), ‘the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you’” (John 14:26, NIV).

This March will mark the five-year anniversary of my dad’s passing, and I can honestly say that there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him.

Dad regularly shows up in my dreams, as if we’ve both stepped back in time prior to the fateful day of his death.

I hear his voice in my mind, his encouragement, his not-so-hilarious jokes, his laughter at stories shared, and his subtle statements of faith and wisdom.

I miss the practical things that come with having a father around. Every time my lawnmower won’t run, the car needs an oil change, or I attempt a home improvement project, I think to myself, “If only Dad were here…”

Dad taught me a lot about Jesus, most often through his actions, at times through his words. He modeled love for his family and friends, and even a few enemies. He was kind-hearted and humble, and lived sacrificially, despite a modest income.

I miss my dad immensely, but my faith and my God tell me that I will see him again. Besides, there’s a part of Dad that still lives within me, so I’m never truly without him.

Jesus knew that his followers would miss him as well. Therefore, he promised that he would send them the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would serve as a teacher and guide and remind them of the things Jesus taught them. Jesus, in effect, was offering his family and friends a piece of himself, so that they would never be truly alone.

We all lose people we love. That’s just part of life lived in a broken and fallen world. Still, our loved ones live on, their memories lodged within our hearts.

Jesus, too, lives on. His Holy Spirit resides in the heart of every believer.

So, thank God today for the people who have made a lasting impression upon you. And thank God for sending us his promised Holy Spirit. Both are incredible blessings!