I think most of
those who have gone on before us, most especially our relatives who lived in
the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, were too
busy living to worry too much about whether their great grandchildren ended up
with a few of their ink and paper scratchings, or for that matter, a pair of
spectacles or worn out handkerchief.
My father was an
exception to the rule, as he created hundreds of landscapes in oil during the
fifth and sixth decades of his life, he compiled a vast family genealogy, and
he left several audio hours of his distinctive voice behind; detailing his
childhood, and young adulthood in which he served in the military during WWII.
And I think I must
have picked up the proverbial mantle which fell from his shoulders, since I am
easily as dedicated as he was to ‘leaving something behind.’ You see, like my
father, I yearn to remain here. Oh, not physically, for as scripture promises
us, “It is appointed unto man once to die…” But, I simply cannot contemplate
leaving this old world without leaving an inestimable, lasting impact in the wake
of my certain departure.
The focus of my time
and efforts have been twofold.
I am a counselor,
educator and mentor, and over the course of the past two and a half decades I
have touched the lives of countless people. I have often made a statement to
the young, and not so young people to whom I have ministered.
“I have counseled
thousands, taught hundreds and mentored dozens.”
What an inestimable
privilege it has been to feed into these lives. I love the pertinent adage, “I
am planting seedlings under whose shade I may never rest.” But I think many of my students will offer
shade, succor and sustenance to those who haven’t yet made their appearance on
the earth.
Another way in which
I have chosen to reach out to unborn generations is by the written word. God
has graced me with an extraordinary literary gift. And I think I can brag on
Him, since I realize the gift He has given me is not of my own creation, and there is no room for pride in
that I did nothing to attain or merit this ability.
If you wish to share, copy or save, please include this credit line.
By
William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 50. Copyright pending
If you wish to share, copy or save, please include this credit line.
************
If you would like to see the titles and access hundreds of my blogs from 2015 and 2016, do the following:
Click on 2015 in the index to the right of this blog. When my December 31st blog, "The Shot Must Choose You" appears, click on the title. All my 2015 blog titles will come up in the right margin
If you would like to see the titles and access hundreds of my blogs from 2015 and 2016, do the following:
Click on 2015 in the index to the right of this blog. When my December 31st blog, "The Shot Must Choose You" appears, click on the title. All my 2015 blog titles will come up in the right margin
Click on 2016 in the index to the right of this blog. When my December 31st blog, "Children of a Lesser God" appears, click on the title. All my 2016 blog titles will come up in the right margin
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