I was thinking about when I was in youth ministry the other day. I had a wonderful group in Michigan; great kids; great families. Don’t get me wrong, there were some challenging kids. I had a small group of JR High boys that were all unique challenges. Sometimes I wonder how they are doing. Some I have found out about. Some I have no idea. I just pray that some seed that I could have planted along the way, God would somehow grow in them. I still pray that prayer. So, here’s an old Story; have no idea where it came from.
There is a legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.
The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.
The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.
The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.
The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her; the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.
The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: "you see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well she was their teacher!"
The woman had no wealth, no fortune, and no title, but she had unselfishly given her life to produce great people. There is nothing more powerful or more Christ-like than sacrificial love.
Never underestimate your influence. Especially when the seeds that you’re planting seem to be falling on parched soil! Praise God he does not leave us JR High challenges as we were!
1 comment:
funny how brian was the comment, when i was going to wittily say "you're talking about brophy, aren't you?"
anyway,
your family--you, laurie, megan and cameron--have definitely planted seeds all over my life! (i'd say keeley, but she was really tiny when you guys moved.)
i remember laurie's patience with my relentless singing of "the sun will come out tomorrow" and how after a while i actually got good at singing. let me just say: HUGE part of my life.
cameron and megan gave me babysitting experience and crisis control capabilities. any sort of childcare skills i have now come from years of babysitting experience. i'll either be a really awesome teacher; or i'll lose dogs and make great chocolate milk.
you were my first youth minister i ever had. you took me places, fed me ice cream, and baptized me like a pro. your seed meets us in heaven, and that's about as bloomin' as they come.
maybe you don't have all your seeds accounted for, but when they get watered and grow, you'll see them in heaven, too.
i love you mack's!
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