Sometimes It’s the Quiet Ones With a Simple Faith

Happiness, prayer, prayers, faith

I recently lost my father in law, a man of a simple faith, and it has thrown me for quite a loop. I still have my father, and I am thankful for that because we have always had a close relationship. But, I was blessed to have this man as my father in law, and I know he saw me as more than just the guy that married his daughter.

My wife was the first of his five daughters to marry, and as his first son in law, I think it was a new experience for both of us. While I don’t remember much from the earlier days, the one memory that sticks out in my mind were his words “Relax Scott, I know what’s coming”, a reassurance that I had his blessing to marry his daughter. Over the years, I had the privilege of having one on one time, whether it was the latest home improvement project, or occasional trips to the store when he did not feel like driving. We had those chances to connect, and I know that I can’t get those moments again, but am truly thankful to have had them, nonetheless. No matter who needed him, he was always ready to help out. Even if it was 10 o’clock at night in a bad snowstorm, and you needed his generator, he was there.

Death

He was only sixty, and even though every hospitalization brought us to fear the worst, he always seemed to come through them, so it was a shock, but not a shock. In the past six months, we have lost two uncles both suddenly, so I am adapting to death without warning. But each of these deaths has left me evaluating my life in many ways. However, the death of my father in law was sobering. What does that mean, sobering? I am still trying to wrap my head around how a man who lived through the stresses of nine children, a fire, rebuilding a home, family, and everything he endured, passed so young.

.
What is perhaps most striking was the man himself. For a man of so few words, you knew all you needed to know about him from what you saw. He was a very reserved man, yet I wouldn’t say he kept to himself. He was never the center of attention, either though. Everyone knew how devout he was in his faith. In the days following his death, I was amazed at the outpouring of sentiment from those who knew him. It was shocking to see strangers come up to our family to say how much they would miss him. A man who was rather quiet and reserved was so well known in the community.

How He Prayed the Rosary

One man actually came up to us and said: “No one prayed a Rosary like your Pop.” Of all the things to be remembered for, how you prayed the Rosary. His devotion to his faith was undeniable. Daily rosary, daily Mass, his devotions to St. Philomena, and the Blessed Mother, all things that he valued. The importance of faith was something he instilled in his nine children. I remember nights coming to pick up my wife, while the family was in the midst of praying the rosary. In this day and age, how many families sit together to pray a rosary together. How many families have dinner together, for that matter? As I take stock, in his life, and the effect he had on me as a person, I am reminded of the lives of the saints. Many of whom were just ordinary people who in their moment are extraordinary.

A Simple Faith

Do you ever wonder about the people in your life? Obviously, God put them there, but why? Is it for our benefit, or theirs? Is it a mutual relationship where I am offering something of value to that person? There is no doubt, I am a better person for having known him. He put me more in tune with my faith, showing me that there was more to it than just Sunday Mass. See, our faith is more than just a set of beliefs, it is a way of life. Its rooted in our words and actions. That’s the way it was with my father in law, his example, his patience, all things that I wish were more prevalent in my nature.

I know the impact he had on me, but what was my impact on him. In our faith, this is the one time where it is about us, where we are expected to be a driving force, an example to others. At the end of the day, was there something about me that had an impact on him. Here was a guy that I believe had it all together, he was happy, secure in who he was. He didn’t judge himself by what he didn’t have. A man of a simple faith and simple pleasures. He loved to grill, he loved Ford trucks, and God Family and Country.

But What About Me?

That is so not me, but what if it was? I often get wrapped up in the details, the superficial stuff that I let get in the way of being truly happy. Instead of being happy that I am sending my children to such great schools, I often find myself focused on the new Volvos I see in the driveway as I pull up, or the designer labels, the amazing vacations. What if instead of trying to keep up with the Jones’ I was content to keep up with the Smith’s or even the Holy Family. What if they set the standard for me to measure myself by, how could my life be different?

What if I started looking at my life with a better perspective? Appreciating the three healthy beautiful children, beautiful wife, loving parents, all the people who matter to me. What would be the effect on my life if I remembered to thank God for them every day? What if I spent my time focused on all the beauty that is mine to enjoy? It’s simple really, to be happy is to be thankful, and vice versa. What if as we exit this Easter season, this time of rebirth, and renewal, we renew ourselves, we “Spring clean” decluttering ourselves, making room for God, a simple faith, and ultimate happiness.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

2 thoughts on “Sometimes It’s the Quiet Ones With a Simple Faith”

  1. Mary Alice Hoffman

    This was an Easter present! Great reading of real life people actively living the Faith in quiet ways. These are the saints that we so desperately need right now in the Church – to teach us by their example and to learn how to run to Our Lady and Our Lord always in small things and in large things. God bless this holy family.

  2. I absolutely love these intimate stories. I draw so much from the wisdom you share with such vulnerability and humility – and love! Please continue sharing your stories and your words! God bless!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.