My father-in-law died 4 years ago. Ever since then I’ve mulled over in my mind what I could possibly say that would do justice to a man I respect so much. After reflection and prayer this is the best that I’ve come up with for now.
Someone said that my father-in-law, Edward John Voorhees, was an example of the fruits of the Spirit. I totally agree. There are eight fruits of the spirit. So to show what I think of him, I simply wrote down the first eight words that came to my mind when I thought about him. They were not the exact ones we memorize from the book of Galatians in Scripture. But to me, they are no less fruits of the Holy Spirit in his life. It was not hard to write down these words. But it is difficult to capture how beautifully Ed displayed these characteristics.
Integrity. Ed was the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He was tried and true. Ed never had a scheme or an agenda or anything up his sleeve. Ed was just Ed.
Honesty. Ed told the truth. You could trust him with anything. If anyone asked him a question, he didn’t take time to think about the answer. He just told the truth.
Decency. Ed was appropriate and respectable. In every context he simply showed up as a man you were proud to be with. He wasn’t flashy orshowy. And he also wasn’t too casual or sloppy. He was just decent. And we all need a taste of decency in our lives.
Humility. Ed defined humility. Ed never asked about himself. I don’t know that he was even aware of himself at times. He was focused on others and other things. He never made himself the issue.
Honor. Ed showed value in the things that were worth value to him. He honored his own father. He honored his history. He honored the men and women who have served in the military. He honored other people that served him. He was always quick to show the value of the things that are the most valuable.
Stewardship. Ed took good care of what he had. He knew how to take care of every dollar. He knew where things were. If something had value he took good care of it. He was not irresponsible or flippant. You could trust him with anything and he would take care of it. He maximized everything he was given to its maximum potential for God’s greatest glory. This is one of Ed’s many characteristics that I feel so convicted by.
Kindness. Ed had a soft touch and a warm handshake. His words were full of kindness. Ed was generous and considerate. People think that being a man means you have to tout your strength. Ed showed his strength in his quiet and determined resolve.
Mercy. Ed did not return evil for evil. But he returned good for evil. He never reminded me about the ways that I let him down. He rarely spoke poorly about others. He knew we always need God’s mercy. And he distributed it freely.
As I read this list and think about Ed, I am so convicted. He was always a better man than me. And now, with our Heavenly Father in Paradise, he is a better man than he has ever been. I hope he prays for me as he meets our Redeemer face-to-face.
During Ed’s last season of life, he taught me how to live mine. That’s the greatest gift that he’s ever given to me. He let me do a small part in taking care of him. But he never once reminded me of how I let him down in the past. And for the rest of my life, I hope that I do not let him down. I’ve been back to Ed’s gravesite. I shared these raw thoughts out loud with him. I try to remember not to speak about Ed in the past tense because I believe he’s alive. As I learned in a prayer recently our loved ones are “departed but not deceased.” I’m not sure he can hear me. But, I want to share with him nonetheless. I often share with him an ancient commendation that the church has used for centuries. I recently learned it at the chapel in Montereau, the home where he lived out his last days.
“Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you. Go forth, faithful Christian! May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, with Joseph, and all the angels and saints. May you return to your Creator who formed you from the dust of the earth. May all the angels and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life. May you see your Redeemer face-to-face!”