Living Legends

Each month one of our pastors will sit with men at the Gardens for coffee and donuts. We are grateful that our chaplain, Neil Stephens, organizes these gatherings. I am personally grateful for my time with these living legends of faith. We may talk about memories of childhood, wartime deployments, or life experiences. No matter the topic we will wander in fluid discussions and undoubtedly may repeat a story that we heard last month. Regardless of the memory lapses, the wisdom to gain and insights to harvest are priceless.

This reminds me of Joseph’s final days, as recorded in Genesis 50. By faith, he imparted wisdom to his family and ultimately pointed them to the promise of God that He would lead the growing descendants of Abraham to a land of Promise that was designed by God. No matter the ups and downs of Joseph, he never forgot what God has promised and was committed to pointing the next generation to God’s promise rather than his personal successes. 

It is expected that at the latter stages of life one would reflect upon highs and lows to impart wisdom. However, this is not reserved for the elderly. Any believer, at any stage of life, should be able to reflect on the goodness and faithfulness of God. Every day we can share a personal story of our past or present with the holy expectation that we ultimately point others to a faithful God who provides and sustains, and who alone deserves the glory.

As you sit at the dinner table or make your daily journal entry, consider how to walk humbly before God and make Him the center of every story! Any success we have is because of Him. Any failure we make is an opportunity to showcase mercy and grace.