A Loving Servant

In the event we have not spoken, my Father-in-law, Jose Valadez, went home to be with the Lord on November 3. I was listening to an old message from my pastor saying, 'anyone can point out someone's failure; it takes spiritual eyes to see that which the Lord is doing in their life.' This month, we want to share a bit about Apa’s life-how he loved, served and grew [in the Lord]-because telling his story, brings glory to God and points us to Christ. 

First, during his memorial service, more than one person stated, "he loved in his own way." As I was trying to process their words, this phrase did not settle well with me. Thankfully, the Spirit brought to remembrance 1 Corinthians 13. While individuals express love differently from one another, the word sets a perfect standard and Jesus demonstrated it perfectly in real life. Though I cannot recall a single time Jose told me, "I love you," I know he loved me; he was patient, kind, was not easily provoked and he rejoiced in the truth (more on this later). Love IS a fruit that grows out of an individual that is loved by the Lord and loves Him back. It is by this quality, others can know he was a disciple of Christ.

Second, he was a man of service. My husband recently shared a long version of his testimony, and I learned some endearing things about his dad. For example, there was a season that their family moved to Mexico to start a small business. Apa was so generous wanting to care for others, if they were unable to pay for a meal, he would serve them anyway. Without surprise, the business did not do well, and it closed. They eventually moved back to the states, but my father-in-law came back first, to make sure things like housing and a steady job were in order, to serve his family and then brought the rest of them after. Another brief detail was that growing up, his dad would take him to buy new shoes. My husband, young and growing rapidly, would choose the most expensive ones, and his dad would not even flinch to purchase them. 

Third, and my favorite, Jose was a man of the word. There was a season my in-laws and niece moved up north and rented out their home to us. But that time came to a screeching halt, and they came back to SoCal quickly. I did not know what to expect, pondering the reality that our home would go from 4 to 7 sinners under one roof. Yet it was in this season, I have the fondest memories of him: when we were home and shared dinner together. It was here, I learned he knew, revered and thirsted for the word. He would share about different men in the bible and ask really good questions. Even after we found a new place to live, any time we would spend time together, our discourse centered around the Lord. 

Far from perfect, as every human is, Jose was a man that, by God's grace, had his life invaded by the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In 8 years, it was a blessing seeing the ways the Lord sanctified the way he loved, served and grew in knowledge. I am thankful not only for the peace and comfort in our physical loss but also for the vision, hope and excitement of what Apa is already experiencing and what is yet to come for me and others around me who have come to be known and loved by Jesus Christ. He is looking into the eyes of the one true loving servant: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬).

Praise Reports:

1. Husband and I continue meditating on and applying truths from our recent marriage retreat and going on dates;
2. Many family and church members and friends were able to celebrate my father-in law's life at a memorial service - we rejoice that because of his faith in Jesus, he is in His presence;
3. Husband was able to take the boys out for some guy time (ultimate frisbee followed by breakfast);
4. I had the blessing of attending a women's fall event; and
5. Zachary continues asking great questions and sharing his heart after worship service or bible studies.

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Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. The Valadez family as we adjust to Apa being with the Lord, especially my mother in law;
2. Husband is learning how to diagram, prepare a devo and preach in class on Monday evenings;
3. He and I (/or another male pastor/leader from our church) have been invited to attend ITA's annual conference in Rome, January 2023; 
4. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit;
5. Witnessing opportunities during the holiday season;
6. Zachary will be making some important life decisions in the next year; and
7. Hacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.

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