He breathed His last

“With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.”  Mark 15:37 NIV

Good Friday.  Everyone has their own experience about this day.  Good Friday became more vividly real to me 16 years ago; my daddy died on Good Friday.  That morning Kalie (who was 8) sang to him.  Belle (who was 5) read him the Good Friday recollection from the Bible.  The day was filled with visitors, prayers, the bustling of the hospice nurse, the daily visit from his doctor.  Then as evening came with my mother and I watching, he breathed his last.  As I reminisce every year I can't help but compare the stories of Jesus death and my daddy's.  Jesus cried out, daddy didn't.  Jesus had John standing below taking care of His mother.  We were blessed with Jennifer & Brian who sat in the other room taking care of the girls.  Jesus death affected hearts all over the world.  My brother was boarding a plane to come home from Khazakstan at the time of daddy's death.  Jesus death touched people in a way even they didn't understand at the time; the world literally shook.  My world shook when daddy died.  Both had suffered.  Jesus was the perfect lamb without blemish.  Daddy was blemished with 29 years of illness and surgeries and lived a redeemed life of recovery from the temptations of life.  Jesus lived a perfect life.   Daddy spent his final years trying to live a life that showed others Christ's love and opening doors to share the gospel.  Both loved those who suffered, were lost and often felt unlovable.  The differences are much easier to find than the similarities, but one thing I know for sure: both love me.  I am so grateful to have been blessed with my daddy.  A man who helped me understand the love of The Father & who even in my darkest moments turned me toward The Light.  Good Friday can't pass with me honoring him.  I am so grateful for all God did in my life through him, for choosing me as for the blessing of being his daughter, and for the legacy of love left through him.  I pray we make them both proud.  Today's mission: random acts of love in honor of my daddy, Nils J. Benson.