My father used to count his pennies. Literally.
Before I was born, my father would count the change, down to the last pennies, even the pennies my mother brought home from the grocery store.
Every penny mattered. With little cash, and little access to credit, my father counted pennies and my parents worked hard to make a life on the farm in southern Ontario.
My father is now passed away, but as we approach Father’s Day, I am remembering his faithfulness to my mother, to our family, and to His Heavenly Father throughout his 87 years on this earth. I remember the stories of the counted pennies, the hail that wiped out crops, and the tragedy of two barn fires only six years apart, among many others. Even as I remember those hard times, I remember his laugh. It was a belly laugh that could be heard echoing from barn to barn, and across the orchards. As I remember that laugh, I also remember his smile that looked up to heaven in loving trust of God, through the ups and downs of farm life, political life and raising seven children.
It was that trust that gives me hope on my own journey; that trust, along with the understanding it was God who brought my father and family through all kinds of joys and sorrows.
My father is living in eternity today, with His Saviour Jesus; the One who brought him hope and life on this earth. The hardships he walked through on earth are only a distant memory.
My dad isn’t worried anymore.
He is not counting pennies.
But I bet he is laughing.
“No more night.
No more pain.
No more tears.
Never crying again.”
( Hear David Phelps sing “No More Night” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iPIi7sunEU)
What he has left behind here on earth is not only his farming legacy of land, and the blessing of children and grandchildren, but he has left a story of God’s faithfulness and love.
Remembering my dad’s story.
Remembering his faithfulness to my mom and our family.
Remembering that God has been faithful.
Is faithful.
Will be faithful to me, in the same way.
That is hope.
No matter what I experience.
Hope.
Whatever season I am walking through today, I know that one day it will be a distant memory. These sorrows and joys I experience now, are but for a moment.
One day:
I won’t be worried anymore.
I won’t be counting pennies.
But I bet you,
I will be laughing.
Rebecca van Noppen is a teacher, home educator, writer, and More Than Enough blogger, who happens to be married to a financial coach. A lover of Jesus, she is on a journey of surrender, kindness, and generosity.