My Dad, Willard Coleman Pyles, about 60 years ago when he first started preaching.

If you have been reading this blog over the course of the last two months, you are aware that my mother passed away on September 16 and that, beginning just two hours after her death, my father suffered a series of near fatal heart attacks (technically, it was takotsubo cardiomyopathy, “broken heart syndrome”).  Of the 62 days that have passed since then, Dad has spent 57 of them either in a hospital or rehabilitation center.  Yesterday afternoon, he transitioned from the hospital back to rehab where he will stay at least another week before being able to return home.

I have spent the last week with Dad.  Among the blessings of our time together has been the opportunity to pray with him several times and to hear his prayers.  It is evident that Dad is coming to a point of emotional acceptance of Mom’s passing, though that realization has been made more difficult for him because of the fact that he was unable to attend her visitation, funeral, and burial two months ago.  He truly rejoices that she has been freed from pain and suffering and has been received into the presence of the Lord.

Dad’s prayers have inspired me and made me even more proud of him than I already was.  He has thanked God for sparing his life and has asked that the Father make clear the path that He wants him to follow in the days that lie ahead.  He wants to serve His Lord and Savior in every way that his health and strength will allow. 

Yesterday, Dad said, “Tim, I just want to use the rest of my time on earth doing as much good for as many people as I possibly can.”  I told him, “That shouldn’t be too difficult for you, Dad.  It seems to me that is exactly what you have been doing your entire life.”

Dad has been preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serving His church for 60 years.  He will celebrate his 78th birthday on December 10.  78 years old!  Abraham was 75 when God called him to leave Haran and embark on a new adventure of faith.  Moses was 80 when the Lord revealed a new plan and purpose for his life.  I can’t wait to see what the rest of the journey will be like for another one of God’s great servants.