Hoyt's Legacy

Although I have known Hoyt and Pat for several years, I met his two sons, Billy and Clark, for the first time tonight. Visiting with Lisa, I learned that Hoyt also had two daughters! Well, I guess if you knew Hoyt Thomas, that's certainly not hard to figure. Lisa said that he had never treated them any differently. They were his girls, and had been for 21 years! Of course that also meant, he was Grandpa Hoyt too! He was the grandfather that her children had grown up knowing on her side of the family. The truth is Hoyt never really met a stranger. He flashed that winning smile and made everyone feel welcome when they were in his company. He loved life and enjoyed living it. I believe he exemplified what John wrote in John 10:10 where Jesus said,

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

He certainly lived it to the full! He was one who got all the gusto out life. He loved Pat and the children dearly, and I've only come to understand recently how he felt about his grandchildren, but now that I know, you could see it in his eyes. There was only one love in his life that surpassed all the others, and that was his love and passion for his Savior. Hoyt loved to talk about God's word, and he loved to witness to the "wounded" Civil War re-enactors. His life was lived with such zeal that he will be sorely missed, but the impact Hoyt's life will be felt for generations to come if Jesus tarries.

It is however likely that Jesus is coming back much sooner than we think. So let me encourage you today to draw near to Christ and be ready. You never know when it may be you that God will call into eternity. Following Hoyt's awesome example let us purpose to leave such a legacy that all doubt might be erased we come to the gateway of eternity.

As we celebrate Hoyt's homegoing, tomorrow let me encourage you to make your relationship with God so sure, as to leave no doubts about your whereabouts. Have a blessed day.