In Memory of My Smiling Papa

I can't help but think that on Friday morning the world became a little darker when my Papa 89-year-old went home to Heaven.  My Papa, Harlan Selvey, had been a pastor since 1948.  After pastoring 9 churches, he "retired".  What this meant was that rather than having just one church under his care, he served as an interim pastor in churches that were in need of a temporary pastor until a permanent one was found.  During his "retirement", he and my grandma, Shirley, would drive sometimes over two hours to minister to a church body.  He was always meeting with people in the hospital or in their homes to pray for their needs.  He was still teaching the Bible late into last year.  I always thought of Hebrews 12:1b-3 when I thought of my Papa's dedication to share Jesus' free gift of salvation with everyone:

...And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

As he touched many people's lives, there are a few special things that will leave a lasting impression on my life.  The first thing is the way he was always slow to speak.  He was the best listener I have ever encountered.  And whenever I asked him for advice, I knew he had thought considerably and prayed before he answered.  One family member said of him, "I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone."

Another thing I will always remember is the smile he would get when he taught or talked about the love and grace of God.  It was so genuine and filled with joy.  His countless hours of study of God's word and prayer to his Father gave him such a great understanding of the character of God, he could not help but exude the light of Jesus' love.  Just like Romans 15:13 in the Amplified Bible says:

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

Lastly, I will always be inspired by his love for my grandma.  They were married almost 63 years.  They were known around Hollister for their frequent walks to breakfast at McDonalds.  Anytime they were seen, they were holding hands.  This was the way they lived.  Always showing each other love and respect, and stealing kisses any chance they got.  

I am glad my Papa is not suffering with cancer any longer.  I am glad he is in Heaven with the one he so faithfully served, but I will truly miss him!  His life will continue to be an inspiration to me to listen, speak thoughtfully with kindness, serve others, spend time in prayer, share the love of Jesus, be joyful, and never be too busy to show affection to my spouse.  I hope my memories of him may inspire some of you as well!