Christopher the Runner

Hello everyone!

Thanks so much for your kind and very thoughtful words on this blog regarding our son Christopher and his early departure to heaven. Many, many times they have been “words fitly spoken” (see Proverbs 25:11) that have brought encouragement to our family.

I am so sorry to know that so many of you have suffered and are suffering through similar circumstances. But thank you for speaking from your pain and helping me and many others that read this blog.

Christopher the Runner

Topher (my son’s nickname) was quite the runner in elementary school. He took it very seriously and had gotten quite good at it, running for our own Harvest Christian School. We went to many of his track meets and cheered him on.

The thing is, I also ran when I was back in school, and while Christopher was more of a cross-country runner, I was a bit better in the shorter races, like the 50-yard dash!

So, as Christopher got older, I would challenge him to a short race from time to time. I would always win, but I did notice that he was getting closer to beating me each time.

The day Christopher beat me

One day, Topher and I were at the beach and, once again, old dad challenged him to a race. We both took off in a burst of energy, but this time it was not all that close. Christopher won the race fair and square.

I was crestfallen! I was proud he had gotten so fast, but a bit sad that I could no longer beat him.

The Race of Life

We are all in the race of life. Paul used the running analogy many times in Scripture, reminding us of this.

In his last epistle, knowing he was headed for heaven soon, Paul wrote this to his young protégé, Timothy:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.And now the prize awaits me–the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV)

Christopher crossed the finish line before me

I always thought I would finish my race before Christopher and Jonathan, my two sons. But Topher did it again. He beat me, just like that day on the beach! He got to heaven before I did.

Instead of me handing the baton to him, he effectively handed it to me. Now, I have my race to finish, just as you have yours. So let’s run well, because we never know when our race will be completed.

Right now, Christopher is in God’s presence, worshipping the Lord. And for those of us who have also put our faith in Jesus, we will be doing the same before we know it.

But I sure miss him. More than ever as the days pass since he left us.

I am so thankful I have the hope I will see him again. If I did not have this hope, this would all be unbearable.

This weekend at Harvest

I will be speaking this Sunday at Harvest at all three morning services. This will be my first Sunday preaching in our pulpit since Christopher went to be with the Lord.

Please remember me in prayer, as I will really need it. I am beginning to ease back into this again.

You can come and join us or watch the webcast live or archived.

Thanks,
Greg