September 15 (yesterday) is special in the pantheon of days. It is when I take particular pause to remember (other than all the time) my parents, Grace and David Maul.
Dad passed away in November of 2022 and then, after a difficult year of struggle, mum joined him on her birthday, September 15, 2023.
This year, as Rebekah and I are here in Florida with the grandchildren, I have found just the right photograph to capture mum and dad’s great-grandparent-ness. It was taken when they were still doing fairly well, still able to actively enjoy life, their home and the blessings of family.
It is 2014: Beks is 15-months and David is almost three. How quickly, it seems, that everything can change.
Right now, in 2025:
Today I want to honor my parents’ constant commitment to live positively, and to always believe (and act) as if their calling to bless others was the most important thing they could do. It did not matter what personal struggles they had to deal with, for them life was always about being light and grace to – and for – others.
Their memory really is a helpful message, especially today when I know so many who are overwhelmed by troubles that appear to be unmanageable. My mum would quote, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of Earth will look strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.”
Not just strangely dim but powerless too. This photograph kind of marks the end of an era for my parents… and I would like to think that their positive spirit of kindness, courage and deep faith has been poured generously into those beautiful children sitting in their laps.
To see kindness, courage, faith, grace and mercy literally poured into the people we love, generation to generation…
The good news is that it is never too late to embrace my parents’ gift, never too late to say, “Let me be a servant who pours grace into others.” I want this birthday, this anniversary of their passing to be an encouragement for those who love them still – but who maybe need an extra measure of good news today… an extra measure of light… an extra helping of mercy and of grace.
Maybe “the best is yet to come”? – DEREK
Thanks Derek. Had a great Bible study today but you were surely missed. Prayers for all. John Gray
Praying with you, Derek!
One life joined with another life can impact generations to come. One will never really know, on this earth, the full impact of your parent’s lives. May their example spur you on today. They gave much and their legacy lives in the generations that follow them. Hugs!