Looking back, the white bread, imitation mayo, and thin-sliced deli meat held little nutritional value-but what Grandma Bonnie whipped up each time we stopped by for a visit was priceless. Her arthritic hands slapped together sandwiches better than anyone, and, while we ate, we also laughed as she told stories of the old days or the latest antics with her fun-loving sisters.
Oh how I miss those lazy Saturdays sitting at Grandma’s kitchenette! She and Grandpa were always ready to drop everything in order to listen to what we’d been doing. They probably had no idea how their simple acts of kindness, prayers, and insights about their faith laid the foundation for a family that would follow the Lord generations after they’d gone home to Heaven. I caught a glimpse of this legacy when our nephew Zach, who’s thinking about going to seminary, emailed a devotion he’d written. Here’s a snippet for you to enjoy:
Being a leader has its cliché meaning, and the skills required can often seem stereotypical. However, this is not necessarily true. Every person God puts in a leadership position has different strengths. This is because every leadership position is different. God knows the hardships a leader will face-and every time a problem arrives, that leader will either have the skill to solve the difficulty or will be provided the skill whether that is through another person or a change in the leader. God equips men and women with the ability to address what life throws at them. This is supported by 1 Corinthians 10:13 which states the following:
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
I have always been a huge worrier. I worry about everything-every little detail. However, every time that thing I worry about comes up, God provides me the strength and ability to get through it and deal with it. I know what you’re thinking, “How does this apply to me as a leader?” That’s a great question! The following statement is important to understand: You don’t do anything. God uses you to do His will. He allows you to live, lead, and love. He gives you the ability to address whatever life throws at you.
I couldn’t help but smile as I read the words penned by this seventeen-year-old, and I can imagine the grin on Grandma Bonnie’s face if she read them, too. Zach never got to know his great-grandmother, but her legacy lives on through his life nonetheless. Chats about faith told over bologna sandwiches had more impact than any of us ever realized at the time, and the legacy of an individual who faithfully serves the Lord will continue to influence generations yet to come!
Thought of the Month
Our children will also serve him.Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.
Psalm 22:30-31