"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." {1 John 4:8}

On June 18, 1991, at 5:15 p.m. my grandfather, Dillie Perry Greer, finished his course on this earth. The following Saturday, his wife of more than 61 years, five children, thirteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren laid Grandpa to his final rest. I'm the oldest of the grandchildren, and it was my privilege to conduct that service. As I spoke that day, tears ran down my cheeks as I remembered his life and how he touched me. Some people in our lives are difficult to let go. Grandpa was one of those people!

My memories of my Grandpa are many and varied. He gave me my first haircut, and since I was the oldest of his grandchildren, I was blessed in my early years to be around him a lot. Even though he was very strict with me, he always had a kindness that made me understand he cared deeply. Not much escaped Grandpa's watchful eyes.

When I was about ten, Grandpa instructed me not pick the strawberries until they were ripe. I love strawberries, and when I saw a little red, decided that was ripe enough. I could wait no longer! When he caught me, he said: "Keith, I told you not to pick the strawberries. Go get me a switch." I knew what this routine meant. Thinking I could delay the punishment, I looked for hours, until dark. Then, I came in and told Grandpa that it was too dark, and I couldn't see to find a switch. To the best of my recollection, Grandpa had the eyes of a bat, and yes, I was punished. I brought the punishment on myself; and though my grandpa punished me, I never once doubted his love for me. That is why he corrected me. He understood very well the long-ago words of Solomon. "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly." {Proverbs 13:24} Grandpa always disciplined promptly.

As a child, I truly admired many things about my Grandpa, and even more so as I grew older. His oldest son, my Dad, did many things that hurt him, and I know he didn't understand or approve. Yet, not once did I ever hear him say a word against my Dad in my presence. Why? He knew he was my dad, and I loved him, and it would hurt me. My grandfather would tell me why my dad's actions were wrong, but it never stopped him from loving his son. Now that I have my own children, I have a better understanding of this. I love my children, but when they do wrong, I do not condone the wrong or make excuses for them. Does it make me love them less? Never. A father is to love his children always. "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4} "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." {Colossians 3:21) My grandfather taught me a very important lesson. Real love does not overlook, and make excuses for, wrong behavior. The child who receives no correction will never learn to do better. Sadly, many parents need to learn this lesson now before it is too late for them to help their children.

Grandpa had another special quality that stands out in my mind. He was the most contented man I ever knew.

When we visited my grandparents' home, we were always made to feel welcome. The house would be filled with his kids and grandkids, and Grandpa would just beam with pride. He loved his family, and we loved him. He truly understood the importance of his family. My dad's family was very much into playing a card game called pinochle. It became a family tradition. My uncles, aunts, and some cousins took the game very seriously. Yet, I do not remember my grandfather ever being upset over losing, or a bad play by his partner. He helped us understand that some things in life bring some enjoyment--but in the larger picture, they're not really very important.

Keith didn't always do the right thing. As a matter of fact, my cousin Kenny and I were quite a pair. Whenever something happened on the farm, you could mark it down, Kenny and I were the first two they came to for answers! Looking back, I can recall the many things we did to upset Grandpa. But, Grandpa's love never diminished. He had a strong hand and tough standards--God's standards. He never compromised, but with compassion and love, he led by his example. As I grew older, my love for Grandpa grew stronger. When I started dating, my grandparents were among the first people from whom I sought approval. I can still remember leaving their home with a date and Grandpa saying "behave, and you treat that young woman like a lady."

In April of 1991, I went back to preach a gospel meeting in Lowell, Indiana at the local church where my grandparents attended for many years. I spent many years in that building learning God's word. Grandpa attended three nights of that meeting. (Due to his health, he would attend only one more worship service during his lifetime.) On the last night of the meeting, about thirty members of my immediate family were present. I was standing by the stairs, and Grandpa came over to me with his walker. He had that big wide grin on his face and said, "Keith, you've become a very good gospel preacher, I'm very proud of you." Today, that compliment means more to me than all the money in the world. Grandpa had much to do with my becoming a gospel preacher. The following day, before returning to Las Vegas, I went by the house to say good-bye to him. We hugged, and I kissed him and told him I loved him and would miss him. Grandpa was crying, and I was crying, because we both knew that this would be our last time to say goodbye on earth. It still hurts to remember that day.

Grandpa taught me many lessons during his life, and it was an honor to speak at his funeral. Grandpa was a very important part of my life; we were very close. Yes, he loved me; he dearly loved his entire family--but He loved God first. He understood the words the Lord spoke in His Sermon on the mount: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." {Matthew 6:33,34} The greatest comfort he left when he died was eternal hope, because he died in Christ. Psalm 116:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

Grandpa has been gone for over a decade, but the love and patience and understanding he gave me will be with me for a lifetime. This chapter in my life is closed, but it will never be forgotten. I'm a better person because he was my Grandpa. Dear readers, do not take for granted those in your life whom you love. Tell them while you still can--don't wait until it is too late. Thanks Grandpa!