Last week was bittersweet. I had the chance to return home to Abbotsford, B.C., where I grew up—but it was for the funeral of my grandpa, Tony Vanderwal. He was a hardworking dairy farmer with unwavering faith who lived a full and meaningful life until the age of 94. He was married to my grandma for over 70 years, and they still lived in a house just down the road from the farm where the cows are. Many have shared their condolences, and my response has been the same every time: “He lived to be 94—he lived a fulfilled life.”

During that trip back to Canada, I took a step back to truly appreciate the foundation that was laid—not just for me, but for our entire family, including the grandkids and great-grandkids. I reconnected with cousins I hadn’t seen in years, now with families of their own, forging their own paths. I caught up with uncles and aunts who once shaped my childhood and are now shaping the lives of their grandchildren. There’s something special about cousins—the laughter, the jokes, and the friendships pick up right where they left off, no matter how much time has passed.

All in all, it was a memorable trip. And from that week, I came away with a few important reflections.

#1 – You’ve got to take some risks if you want to get anything in life.

My grandpa came to Canada after World War II with just $32 to his name—about $380 in today’s money. When you really think about that, it’s remarkable. Packing up and moving to a new country after a war required immense courage and faith. Starting over, building a life, and raising a family demanded perseverance. The daily grind, the risks, and the knowledge that there was no turning back would have overwhelmed many—but back then, moving forward was the only option.

That risk became the foundation of a growing family legacy that continues to thrive across Canada and North America. His willingness to take a chance and build a new life gave his children the opportunity to succeed in their own endeavors. As grandchildren, we’ve been able to do the same, and now, the next generation is growing and forging their own paths as well.

Psalm 119:90 – Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.

#2 – Someone sacrificed so you can get where you are.

I am where I am today because people in my life sacrificed—whether through time, work, money, or effort—to create opportunities for others to succeed. Along the way, someone made bold decisions, took risks, or put in an incredible amount of hard work to ensure the next generation was in a better position than the last.

I now see that as a responsibility—not to waste the sacrifices they made. That means living life to the fullest in our careers, families, and the way we serve our church and community. It means building on the foundation they worked so hard to lay, ensuring that we do the same for those who come after us. Failing to do so would be a disservice to their efforts.

When we look around, we can see that life is hard for many, and there are people praying for the opportunities we have. So why not build on what we’ve been given—committing daily to hard work, taking some risks, and making the most of what’s been entrusted to us?

Psalms 23  A psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

#3 – What matters in the end is more than what we think.

During the service, my grandpa’s life was shared, honored, and celebrated. Stories were recounted, his character was highlighted, and, most importantly, his faith was honored and put on display.

He was a deeply faithful man who placed Christ at the center of his life, family, and farm. He was always willing to help anyone, regardless of their background, to see them succeed and get back on their feet.

What wasn’t discussed was his income, wealth, or material possessions. Instead, what was celebrated were the qualities that made him successful—within his church, his family, his farm, and his community.

Psalms 100 – A psalm for giving grateful praise.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

I have a feeling when my Grandpa danced into Heaven he asked God, “How’d I do?

To which God replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21)