A few weeks ago I found an old article from my high school newspaper. One of the features was called “Senior Spotlight.” I was fortunate to be chosen alongside one of the most popular cheerleaders in the Englewood Rampage that month. It was neat to see Connie and me “linked together” so long ago and to still be able to continue that friendship today. She cuts my hair every few months and occasionally I am surprised with one of my old classmates showing up at the salon before or after my appointment. It’s really nice to have friends that cover that much time.
As I read further through the article, I was reminded of some of the ambitions I espoused as a high school senior. There were a few “predictions” about what I would do with my life, but the one that stood out in this reading was my desire to travel. I had hoped, according to the article, to travel when I was young, then settle down. Funny how things don’t work out the way we planned! Chuck Jr. was born some three years later and the travel was put on hold.
But now as I look back over those 50+ years, I really got my wish and much, much more. What was most ironic was the fact that travel is and has been, pretty much a necessity in my professions. Through the years in the Marine Corps, Sales and Executive positions as well as teaching and consulting, I am starting to be a bit weary of traveling – or at least right now, anyway.
While preparing for my second trip this year to Uganda and Tracy’s trip to England and Scotland, I found myself not nearly as excited as I have been in the past about getting on an airplane. We were going to be separated well over two weeks and at this point in life, it takes the fun out of traveling. However, as I sit in my Ugandan hotel room, I am experiencing the rewards for being here. To see the expressions on pastor’s faces when the “lights come on” during the classes, the joy they express at learning and the genuine hospitality and love I feel from those who are here reminds me of why I NEEDED to be here. There was something I needed to see and it was about time.
While we were having dinner tonight with the team, our host Marty, asked us what we were gleaning from our time here. Listening to each person’s joyful expressions made me realize that this was just another example of what God will do for you and how He will bless you, even when you are weary and even tired of traveling. By the time it got around to me, I realized something so profound (to me anyway) that I had to rejoice also.
Over the years, I have been blessed to teach on five continents. Yet in one way or another the message is the same – that Christ loves the people to whom we minister and wants the same joy for them as we have deep down inside. The same words work the same miracles, no matter where you are or who you are talking to. That sameness, or consistency is living proof that He is who He says He is and that if I remain faithful, He will be faithful to do what He promises. To know that we have a God who loves everyone and wants them to experience the same joy of His presence is amazing – especially since all of us have our biases toward our way of life, our beliefs and our rationalizations.
It is nice to know that He will continue to teach me and reassure me that I am on the right path – the path He made for me. And, YOU are part of my path that always brings me joy. My prayer is that God will be just as real to you – especially in the little things like this “thought” to remind you that you are His beloved. Just like you are my beloved.
Love Dad