Memories

Having been asked to speak to a group of senior missionaries, I was thinking about what to say as I drove back from a meeting from across the state yesterday.  I am to tell “the story of my life” in approximately 30 minutes.  So where do you start in distilling 80 years into 30 minutes?  While staying with dear friends after the meeting last evening, I was given a book that the wife had written about her childhood that filled 280 pages!  That triggered my thoughts, reminding me that I needed to decide what I should focus upon to make my “story” meaningful and yet fit into 30 minutes.  I decided that I could only touch a few high points but to focus on three of the most influential people in my growth as a Christian.  Who should they be?  Quickly three came into mind.  Grandparents (together I saw them as one), a long-time friend and my greatly missed wife, Carol.  Each of which continually reached out to others and were praying for the needs of many as they strived to glorify their Lord and Savior, Jesus.

My grandparents taught me so much about Christian character and complete trust in the Lord.  Many weekends and most summers during my pre-teen and teen years were spent with them on their farm which was a short distance from my parents’ home in town.  They were hard workers and considered rather successful, but they always strived to be obedient to God and His Word.  I was especially impacted by their consistent Bible reading after breakfast, church involvement and concern for others that were hurting.  In spite of the potential loss of a crop, my grandfather never panicked as a storm drew near at harvest time and neighbors were feverously working in their fields nearly around the clock and all day Sunday.  He simply continued his church and people involvement and trusted the Lord to provide as he did his part working diligently during six days of the week.  When he took his last breath on earth well into his 90’s, I experienced a huge loss! 

I became acquainted with a popular department head at my university who was my teacher in a class at church while I was a student.  A verse that he often quoted came from the sayings of Agur in Proverbs 30:7-9; “Oh God I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die.  First, help me never to tell a lie.  Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!  Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.  For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say ‘Who is the LORD?’  And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult my God’s holy name.”  His love and character was a great influence in this young man’s life and I was honored to serve with him on numerous boards and committees during later years.

Do pray with me as I put my thoughts together.  I pray that I might be used of the Lord to encourage these dear folks, some of which may feel that they are of minimal influence in their retirement years and some that are now limited in their physical activities and dealing with considerable discomfort.

Have a blessed weekend,

Chuck