Rands Reflection Investing in Others There are few things like throwing, catching, and hitting a baseball that builds a young boys confidence. Though I had played baseball for a few years, I wasnt very good at any of these things. My Uncle Dan, however, took some time, played catch with me, helped me overcome my fear of the ball, and taught me to watch the ball from the pitchers hand. I think that he only came to a few of my games, but I remember the one when I got multiple hits - including a double. I didnt go on to play a lot of baseball, but I left the game with a lot of confidence. This week my Uncle Dan went to be with the Lord, and our loss has left me reflecting on his investment in me and my extended family. We all have the opportunity to invest in the lives of others around us. Even a small investment here and there can make a big difference. We may teach a child to read. We may encourage a friend who is discouraged. We may persevere together with our co-workers through a challenging time at work. We may simply do life with and care for those close to us. My Uncle Dan was not a soft or sentimental type of man, but he was always very candid with his opinions and committed to his family and his faith. He loved his wife and was married through thick and thin for over 40 years. He loved his two daughters, his sons-in-law, and his grandkids. He cooked the turkey for the extended family every Thanksgiving. He stayed up late playing board games with all the kids at every family gathering. Later in life, one of my favorite memories was taking my kids to Disneyland with him. His wheelchair and willingness to get in an out of it got us to the front of all the lines. He never tried to be perfect, but he was committed to God through the blessings and challenges of life. In the last few years, he narrowed his lifes message to Jesus Only.... not religion, not churchianity, or anything else. His commitment was to live for Jesus Only and do life with family, friends, and a small fellowship of Jesus followers. As he aged, he was pursuing what Jesus offered when Jesus said, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10), and now he has received that promise in full. You will leave a legacy. The world may define it by a particular life accomplishment or the accumulation of wealth that is left behind. But God sees things differently. He focuses in on your love for Him and the love youve invested in others. In reflecting on this, you may be tempted to think of your future legacy in view of your current sins and short-comings; but remember, God sent His Son to die for you to cover over the places where youve missed the mark. Therefore, while you have the opportunity, invest in the lives of those around you. Live with a heightened awareness of the people in your life. Make deliberate choices to spend time and energy on those God has put in your life. Who may that be today? Take some action. We all have been blessed with others who have invested in us. It may not have been an Uncle Dan. It may have been other relatives, teachers, mentors or friends. Lets inherit that legacy together. Where one persons inheritance may be weak anothers may be strong. Lets, therefore, share life together. Lets also choose to forgive the past and focus less on what we may have missed. Jesus has left all of us an abundant legacy that we all can receive through the Holy Spirit to fill in for anything we lack. As we all age, lets pursue together what Jesus offered when he said, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 01:01:08 +0000