Krista and I made a quick trip earlier this week to visit Dallas Theological Seminary. They invited me to speak in chapel on Tuesday morning, which was a real joy made doubly special by the fact that Monday would have been my Grandfather’s 95th birthday. My Granddad, Jesse Hensarling Jr., graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1955 and faithfully served the Lord in several pastoral ministry assignments over the years. He’s one of the main reasons I wanted to go to Dallas Theological Seminary for my own pastoral education. So, when Krista and I were students from 2005-2010, we invited Granddad to join us on campus a few different times. He was always overjoyed and touched to be back at the school that had so deeply shaped his life. He loved Dallas Theological Seminary through and through.
So, getting to speak in chapel this past week was really special. It was an honor to be invited. It was delightful to reconnect with friends. It was nostalgic to be on campus. It was great to see beloved professors. It was a joy to serve the students. But most of all, it was precious to remember my Grandfather. As we drove up Swiss Avenue, I couldn’t help but remember his smile whenever he was there. My Granddad went to be with Jesus in 2015. I wish he could have been there with us this week. I imagine he would have smiled.
Then again, I’m sure he’s smiling every day. In seminary, my Granddad studied Jesus. In ministry, he preached Jesus. But now he sees Jesus face-to-face! Who wouldn’t smile about that for all eternity?
Remember, in Christ, now and forever, we are loved, more than we know!
That was a special message. God bless you for your service.
I love how you are continuing to preach the Gospel of our Jesus Christ to our world in need today.
Tears as I read this wonderful tribute! What a godly example your Grandad was, and I know how he rejoiced that you were following in his footsteps. What an indescribable joy for him to now behold the face of Jesus!