2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight.
I have finished the race.
I have kept the faith.
For about the last 10 years, Anita took passages that inspired her from the bible, pasted them in big, bold letters on a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper and taped them to our walls. Our bedroom, bathroom and office were filled with these papers. Frequently, she took down old ones and put up new ones.
Last Wednesday, I was walking through the bedroom – in the area she once used as an office – and saw one of the few still left on the wall. It was 2 Timothy 4:7. As I read it – in light of her recent death – it washed over me.
For Anita, this was a verse to inspire her perseverence and faith. To me, it’s the near perfect eulogy.
She fought the good fight for a long time, especially intensely the last 2 1/2 years while running her business. I don’t think she could have possibly helped people more.
She’s finished the race. There are no more races to run for her. She’s crossed the finish line.
She kept the faith. Sometimes, it’s damn hard. It’s hard when you don’t go where you had imagined you would go with a business or with life. Or trust to God that he will make ends meet for you. But her biggest focus was on her faith.
My bible notes say, “Paul gave these words to Timothy, and us, that no matter how difficult the fight seems – keep fighting.”
Maybe this is a big statement – but I would say that I am as confident that Anita went to heaven as Paul was that he would go to heaven.
Greg–Anita is still helping us as you write this blog. Right this minute she, through you, is encouraging Rey and me to take the leap and start a business that we’ve dreamed of for years. As you say, it is damn hard, and it’s scary, but Anita is proof that faith and perseverance make it happen. She’ll keep helping you to put one foot in front of the other, too. I believe that she is clearly still active at home with all of you through pieces of paper with Bible quotes, and a million other little ways, I imagine. Yes, Anita IS in heaven, but I believe that she is also with you and the kids always. Love you and miss you lots!
Keep the faith Greg. I pray that you find peace and comfort in the knowledge that she finished the race and has found a resting place in heaven.
Greg,
Anita’s faith and inspiration shine through you and your celebration of her life. Together, you are a testament to the importance of fighting the good fight–a message that is passed through word and deed. I saw this message continue and grow when Penny found comfort, solace, and a nap in your arms this morning.
Brian
Greg, I keep coming back and reading more about what you write and every time you add something about the godly woman that Anita was, I become more inspired to “leave behind” pieces of God’s hope and how much it leads my own life. It must be so encouraging for you to look around and have those eternal “pieces”…the notes, journals and Bible verses. I hope they bring some peace to you, to know how God was working in her life, and not wondering if he was…It is always hard for those who are left, but not for her. She is basking in the glory that she read about, that she wrote about. I can only hope that after I am gone, that I have left behind comforting words and “pieces” of my faith for my family as well. Hang in there.
Greg-
While talking to your Grandpa Schick this morning, for some reason I remembered a story about your Great-Uncle Curtis Lehn. When he was stricken by a stroke that took so much from him, his memory, his vision,and other faculties in his body, one of his friends said “Why you, Curt? Why you?” They were remembering that he had dedicated so much of himself, his time, his talents building and remodeling their church and being a strong person in the community… and his reply? “Why not me?”
Today maybe we would like to grieve as they did in the Bible by tearing our clothes, screaming, crying and throwing ourselves on the ground asking “Why, God, Why?”. Anita and little Peter, as gleaming bright new angels in heaven are looking down on us saying, “Why not us?” She and Peter served the Lord well and they dedicated time, talents, and so many gifts to many of God’s children. She trusted in Him and He did not disappoint.
I have fought the good fight.
I have finished the race.
I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7