4522
Pt. 1
It is a poignant season for me.
I am on the threshold of retirement (again). I have already earned a retirement with the Army Reserve, and another retirement with United Parcel Service. Next week I will finish 35 years as a pastoral counselor, and prepare to publish a series of devotional volumes.
In spite of my long and storied career, and my impact on countless thousands of people whom God has set in my pathway, I tend to wonder if my life has counted for all that much, or if I will be long remembered.
However, those "cards and letters," (written and verbal), have encouraged me along the way.
I was shopping at my local Dollar General recently, and I was checking out. A young man, who looked like he might have been Filipino, was about to step in line ahead of me; when he noticed I had my hands full. As a result, he said, "Sir, why don't you go ahead of me?" I smiled, and acquiesced to his wishes.
As I "accepted the mission," I said,
"Yeah, I'm an old guy."
(and)
"Young people these days often forget their elders."
To which the twenty something year old fella responded,
"I won't forget you. I will remember you, and this day... as long as I live!"
(I feel better already)!
Pt. 2
Today I was driving through my hometown, and decided to pull into a local fast food establishment.
I placed my order with an outside attendant, and circled around the building. Nearing the service window, well, actually an open door, I came to a stop. A pretty young lady stepped through the portal, and walked up to my driver's window.
"Are you Bill?"
I acknowledged I was. And as "Paula" handed the chicken sandwich to me, I handed a Gideon New Testament to her, and said,
"Let me give you a little goodie."
(and)
"My first grade teacher gave me one of these 70 years ago!"
Paula's smile grew larger, and she replied.
"I will still have this little book 70 years from now!"
And her obvious joy caused me to believe Paula will be sharing the words of that book with others; long after I have stepped into the eternal kingdom.
(Odd to consider, but between those two little volumes, my dear teacher, and I have been afforded a century and a half of spiritual influence among those who He has set in our pathways).
Pt. 3
A couple of decades ago, I was mentoring a twenty year old girl. The session went pretty much the same as every previous mentoring session. However, as she got up to leave, Rita shared the most beautiful, (and the most spontaneous), gift with me that I had ever been given. (And, by now you realize I am a "word person").
"Dr. Bill, I don't want to disappoint you. I will go for you when you can no longer go. I will speak for you when you can no longer speak. I will reach, teach, and keep people in your name; long after you have gone on to your reward!"
Rita is such a person of excellence, and by now is married, and has children. However, I have no doubt she has continued to remember, and honor that pledge.
Post-script
The foregoing stories remind me of a phrase which John Wesley once committed to paper, (and the impact of the promises these dear young people shared with me).
"My heart felt strangely warmed..."
And I am reminded of a scripture.
"Though dead he continues to speak to us by his example." (Hebrews 11:4)
It is comforting to realize that though I am gazing into a sunset, there are those who are starring into the noonday sun, and who will keep right on keeping on in my stead, and though I am no longer living, and breathing, and moving on the earth, that I will not be forgotten.
by Bill McDonald, PhD
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