"Against such there is no law"

My family gathered in Calgary a few weeks ago to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday. What a milestone it was, and what a wonderful opportunity for each of us-children, sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren-to tell Grandpa why we love him so much and to remind him of some of the things he’s done that have made an impression on us.

Dad has never been the kind of man to draw attention to himself and he was a little overwhelmed by our tributes. But he has more than earned and deserved every kind word we bestowed on him that day.

As we reflected on Dad’s character and influence, and listened to each other speak about him, the same traits kept bubbling through. We all knew he has always loved us very much. We described him as a peaceable sort, a gentleman who would find gentle words and gentle ways to get things done. We have always known him for his profound Christian faith. As a young man he had a transforming spiritual experience; service and devotion to Christ has been the defining feature of his life ever since. We recalled his characteristic patience and humble spirit, his basic goodness and stubborn steadfastness.

In the process, it later struck me, we were unwittingly defining his character in terms of the classic gifts of the Spirit—the natural outcome of a life devoted to God. When I turn 80, I would be deeply honoured if people attached to me the characteristics we see clearly in Dad.