My daughter Charity graduated from college today with a major in Christian Social Work. As I sat there in the ceremony, I could not help but thinking, “has it really been that long since we were playing baseball out in the yard in Chicago?” Has it been that long since I was driving her to her new school that she was going to because she had moved up into the fourth grade? I guess that it has, and it was a difficult day for me. Sometimes I wonder what kind of legacy I will leave to my children. I have been working in the ministry for all my life and as the old joke goes “I didn’t get into the ministry to make a lot of money and so far it is working out really well.” I can only hope that the intangibles will be worth something when I am gone. The words that I have spoken into the air that some have called-very generously-sermons. The articles and book that I have written, read by only a few who may be concerned with Koine Greek or the historical Jesus.
Nonetheless, we all do what we are called to do and trust the Lord for those rewards that are not earthly. I am so proud of my family for being willing to allow me to do those things that are not for the money, but for the kingdom. I pray that they will see the value of these activities and will Love the Lord of the Kingdom as I do.
Here are a few photos of the most important people in my life on this most important day:
I suppose that it makes me less of a man to admit that I cried at the ceremony, and not just because it was so long. Because I am so proud of the family whom God has given me. I deserve nothing, but am of all men most fortunate. Perhaps working for the Kingdom has its advantages. They just don’t show up on the balance sheet.
Life goes on, with or without us. Be a part of it and leave something for the kingdom. Just my $00.02 and worth about what you paid for it.
For the Lamb,
DSL