Tag: children

Posted in birthday, Family, gratitude, life, loving others, school days, Scripture

Snippet

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “But Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14

So, there’s this memory I have, tucked away in the back of my mind, a little snippet from way back. I’ve probably shared it a million times by now, but hey, it’s one of those moments that really stuck with me. It’s about how my parents went all out to make holidays and birthdays special, even though they didn’t have much. Christmas was the big one, of course, but they tried to make every birthday memorable too, even if it meant sacrificing something else. And this particular birthday? Well, it stands out for one really amazing reason.

It was probably around 1959. I was about five years old, living in a world so different from today that it feels like we were on another planet. My birthday was just a few days after Christmas, and while I’m sure there was cake and family, the thing that stands out the most is the gift I got. I have no idea how parents choose presents for a five-year-old, but my Momma and Daddy totally nailed it that year.

Now, there were no big chain stores like Walmart back then. I imagine my parents went to the local Western Auto store — you know, that old-school place that was part appliance store, part general store, and part toy shop. And somehow, they found the perfect gift for me: an ice cream truck. Well, not really a truck, and not one that actually held ice cream, but it was still something special.

It was like a tricycle, but with a big metal box on the back plastered with decals declaring it to be an ice cream truck. It had streamers on the handlebars, a fender on the front wheel, and of course, a bell. I can clearly remember pedaling down the street in front of our house, pretending to sell ice cream, with no cars around to worry about.

One day, I remember riding down the road to where a guy was building a little house all by himself. I stopped, asked him if he wanted some ice cream, and he actually played along! We ended up chatting a lot, and every day after that, I’d ride down to see him. I don’t remember his name, but I’ll never forget how kind he was to a little kid with an imaginary ice cream truck. That kind of kindness sticks with you, even years later.

It makes me think of this quote my wife has hanging up at home from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That’s exactly what this man did — he made me feel like I mattered, even though I was just a kid. I don’t even remember his name, but I’ll never forget how he treated me.

It makes me wonder: when was the last time we took a moment to show kindness to someone, especially when they least expect it? Back then, kids were supposed to be seen, not heard, so when this man went out of his way to talk to me, to stop what he was doing, it was something special. He stepped out of the adult world and made me feel important.

And it makes me think about Jesus too. He was always the one who noticed the invisible people, the ones others overlooked. He was the one who said, “Let the little children come to Me.” I bet if Jesus was there that day, He would’ve said, “Let Dewayne come to Me.” And the thing is, no matter how small or insignificant you might feel sometimes, to Jesus, you’re never invisible. You matter. You matter so much to Him.

So, if life feels overwhelming or like it’s just not going your way, just remember: you’ve got a friend in Jesus. He’s got your back, always. And maybe, just maybe, we should all try to be a little more like Him and spread some kindness along the way. Need a little help? Here’s good news…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, Scripture, thankful

Peanuts and Grace

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

I think you really don’t appreciate grace until you really need it. It was probably around 1984. I was a young pastor squeaking by on a salary of $12,000 a year and trust me that was lean times. There was no health insurance or any other benefits. With that said, my wife Judy and I decided to load our two kids up in our car and drive to Kansas City to the mall there. It was only about 45 minutes and would be a cheap outing—almost.

Well, we soon found ourselves in the Sears and Roebuck store at Independence Mall. We also found ourselves in the part of the store where they sell things that taste good and things that break. The taste good part was the candy department. For those of you who missed this great part of life, Sears actually had a place where you could buy candy by the pound.  They also happened to sale the best double-dipped chocolate covered peanuts you ever ate. Even on our budget that was tighter than a new pair of cheap shoes, we splurged and bought a half-pound or so. They were heavenly.

As I mentioned, the part of the store that had the candy counter also had things that break—things like table lamps—things like expensive table lamps. Now keep in mind we were not in that part of the store because we wanted a lamp rather we were there to eat our half-pound of the world’s best double-dipped chocolate covered peanuts.  Did I mention that already? Any way, we were munching away and we were so enraptured by the peanuts we sorta lost track of three year old Sarah. Well, Sarah was soon captivated by all those beautiful, big lamps and just could resist touching them. Oops.

As we munched, we suddenly heard a crash—a big crash. We took a couple of steps and there was Sarah and at her feet was one of the very expensive, big lamps. Just like Humpty Dumpty it had taken a big fall and also like Humpty Dumpty all the kings men was not going to put it together again. Thankfully Sarah was fine but I looked at Judy only to find her looking at me. We were in a financial crisis. We had no credit cards and no money in the bank—at least not the kind that it would take to buy an expensive broken lamp.

Just about then—grace showed up. A sales lady came over and saw the lamp. I explained how sorry we were and before I could explain we had no way to pay for it—she simply, gracefully said, “Don’t worry about the lamp. Accidents happen.” It might have been the desperation on our faces but more than likely it was Rebecca’s angelic smile. Regardless, grace saved the day. You know, Judy and I have never forgotten that day. The taste of the savory peanuts has long faded but not the grace that was extended to us that day.

The lady was right…accidents happen and by the way there weren’t any lectures about not being more mindful of the children.  There was just plain old grace. And that dear friends is just like our Dearest Daddy. When we find ourselves in the middle of our messes or when we step in something we should have avoided—there He is—ready and willing to extend His amazing grace to us. No matter what—He never stops loving us. No sin, no mess is bigger than His grace. So, yes, we should and need to be careful but we also should bask in His love. Go ahead and enjoy the world’s best double-dipped chocolate covered peanuts and rest knowing that—He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, food, friends, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful

Vine Ripened

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

You know there’s just something about a vine ripened tomato.  Yup, it is that time of the year again.  Around our neck of the woods, it starts happening around the 4th of July.  All those folks who planted tomatoes earlier on are now enjoying the fruit of their labors. Oh, and by the way…did you know that tomatoes are a kind of fruit?  Well, that’s what I read on the internet anyway and you know everything on the internet is true.  Smile.

Well, every year some nice folks who raised tomatoes will call and offer us some of their bounty.  If we don’t have any we would gratefully answer yes and get some.  If we still had some on the counter, we would let them know we were good but don’t forget us.  This year, like everything else from toilet paper to new windows for your new house, tomatoes are expensive.  My friend was telling me how he paid $3.19 for one large, vine ripened tomato.  Holy moly that is like red gold, but I suppose a good tomato is worth it.

Judy stopped by a stand and got three small tomatoes and a couple of other veggies and paid about $7.00.  That night we had them for supper.  We put some salt and pepper on them and then some feta cheese. Oh my, and shoot that thing, they were so good and seemed worth every penny.  Well, a couple of days ago, she got a nice large tomato from one of the local grocery stores.  I mean it looked really good. So, we sliced it, added salt and pepper, and crowned it with feta cheese and…it was terrible.

You see that bright red large tomato wasn’t vine ripened.  I don’t know all the details, but somehow most commercially grown tomatoes are picked green and then “gassed” and this causes them to prematurely turn red.  Consequently, they may look good, but they are almost tasteless.  They spend less time on the vine and consequently simply don’t taste as good.  The ones that hang on the vine, taking the time nature intended are so much better than the ones we force to maturity.

I wonder, no I know – that is true in life also.  So often we force situations and sometimes force people into relationships, and segments of life for which they simply are not ready.  I know it seems our children are forced to grow up so much faster than I was.  When that happens, well, in the best case they miss out on some of the great parts of growing up and in the worst case they end up struggling in life because they simply were not ready.  But it is not just the kids, but it can also include relationships.  We jump into marriages for which we are not ready…sometimes just because the clock is ticking, and we don’t want to end up alone.

I wonder if we can learn something from the tomato and the ones who grow them.  I wonder if we can learn the value of just taking our time…time to ripen on the vine and gain the flavor that God intended?  I wonder if we can learn to slow down and trust God just a little more.  I remember just how disappointed I was when I put that “gassed” tomato in my mouth and found it bland and tasteless.  It may have looked better, but it sure didn’t taste better than its vine ripened cousin.

I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1 which tells us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”  What a difference it might make if we let things have their season…their time.  Our world might be a little better, our lives a little sweeter and our tomatoes a little tastier.  I know that sometimes it is hard to wait for the seasons but if you think about it…it might be worth it.  Need some help in the waiting department? If you know God personally, why not ask your Dearest Daddy for a little advice?  I’m sure He would be more than glad to help.  And if you don’t know Him yet, go ahead and introduce yourself.  Just whisper a prayer and you will find Him ready to love and help you.  After all, He’s got a big heart and strong arms…and “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, sovereignty of God, spring, thankful

Larry, Barry, Harry, Terry, Ralph, and Bubba

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted.” (1 Corinthians 12:17-18)

The geese in our city park and I are occasionally on a first name basis. There are two kinds of geese in the park.  Almost all of them are standard, brownish geese.  Then there are also four or five white snow geese.  Now trust me on this.  In the past the snow geese and the regular geese just didn’t like each other.  But something must have happened.

Let me tell you what happened one day. First, there were several of the standard brownish geese families.  They were teaching the kids about swimming, eating, how to potty on the walking path…you know the standard things.  But then there was something else happening.  There were four white geese and they had like five babies, and they were one big happy family. I’m sure there was a mom and a dad but there was also at least an aunt and an uncle.  They were all doing their family thing.  But hang on.

There was also a pair of standard brownish geese, and they had babies.  What was different was they had two brown babies and a baby that obviously came from the snow geese. No really.  I’m thinking they adopted one.  And you know what?  They treated him just like the rest.  But that wasn’t quite the end of the story either.  So, there was a pair of standard brownish geese, and they had five brown babies.  They were so cute.  I think their names were probably like Larry, Barry, Harry, Terry, and Ralph.  Anyway, there’s one more thing.

There was one of the big snow geese in the family mix.  He obviously had to be a distant, and I mean distant, relative.  But he was one tough dude.  The little babies were on the sidewalk and mom and dad were standing there.  Usually, when I would walk by a family, the dad would hiss at me, and I would act afraid.  I wasn’t but I was hoping it would make him feel better.  Anyway, mom and dad were casual—no deal.

But then there was the snow goose named Bubba.  I mean when I got close, he puffed his chest out, stretched his neck, glared at me and gave me his best manly hiss.  You know the kind those big cobra snakes do in India. The hair stood up on the back of my neck and on my arms and I kept moving.  I don’t know who Bubba was, but he likes his family—brown or not—a lot.

You know, the more I thought about it…the more I thought it wasn’t weird at all.  I thought maybe that’s exactly how it is supposed to be.  The geese, regardless of their feather color, came together, formed a family and a community and were doing life.  Everyone seemed happy to me.  Well, all except Bubba.  He had an attitude, but I think even that was because he loved and cared for the others.

Someone once said it takes a village to raise a child.  It takes all kinds of people to make life work.  And do you know what?  It takes all kinds to make God’s family work too. If you go to church, you know sometimes it can get just a little bumpy. Someone doesn’t like this or doesn’t like that.  Someone wears the wrong thing or not enough of the right thing.  Someone thinks things are too loud or too soft or too hot or too cold. Well, I think we need to take a lesson from the guys and gals at the park.

In the Bible Paul wrote that things would be weird if a body was one giant ear or one giant eye.  If we were all the same, we would just be in a hot mess.  It takes every part—every person—being themselves and doing what God designed them to do.  And do you know what else it says?  It says in 1 Corinthians 12:18 “But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as He wanted.”  As.He.wanted.  That means that the person that you just love at church was put there by God.  And it also means the person who irritates you the most was put there too.  And perhaps they are there just for you.

Of all God’s creations, the church, His body, is one of His most beautiful.  A flower garden is made beautiful not in its sameness but in its variety. The body of Christ is made beautiful the very same way.  So, in these trying days, these crazy days, these days when it is so important that the church be the church, be sure and remember that the body is a bouquet of people and personalities selected and arranged by God himself.  We need the Bubbas, and we need Larry, Barry, Harry, Terry, and Ralph too.  We need the younger and we need the older.  We need each other.  Sound too difficult? Sound a little overwhelming?  Don’t worry about it.  God’s good at helping His rowdy, sometimes difficult kids grow.  So, take a rest in Him. He’s got this. Just ask Bubba. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, friends, gratitude, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture, thankful

Indispensable Volunteers

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.”1 Corinthians 12:21-22

Who really is most important? In March of 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot as he was walking toward the presidential limousine. The President spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from the injuries he sustained in the shooting. And although he was the nation’s chief executive, his hospitalization had very little impact on the daily lives of Americans.

Now consider this. Not too long ago, garbage collectors in a major city went on a three-week strike.  Within a matter of days, the city was a mess, causing a major health hazard for the citizens, and bringing the city to a near halt. Think about it.

Weeks without a president…and weeks without garbage collectors. Which of these had more impact upon the functioning of our nation? Though it is hard to grasp clearly, the absence of the garbage collectors had a larger impact—at least in that city.

This valuable lesson is something that we need to remember in church.  All too often we think that just because a person has a title such as pastor, deacon or perhaps trustee, that they are the most important.  In reality, it is the everyday member who volunteers and serves week in and week out that makes the biggest difference.

This past Sunday, after speaking, I headed to the doors to shake hands and greet the folks.  I opened the doors to the foyer and was greeted with a room full of children…thirty-four to be exact, waiting for their parents.  With them was a couple of our faithful volunteers who had spent the last 45 minutes loving on them and teaching them about Jesus.  I was both impressed and blessed—grateful for their service.

Our church, and yours, needs people who will volunteer for seemingly insignificant jobs that are almost always behind the scenes. The truth is that these jobs are not insignificant at all…they are vitally important. So be sure and thank them because we can’t do the work without them. Oh, and be sure and thank the Lord too and while you are talking with Him, ask Him is there any area you need to be helping with.  Sound frightening?  Don’t worry…as always…He’s got that. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Christmas, Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful

Christmas in July

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35

Christmas in July? The other day, I heard Christmas music seeping from the direction of my wife Judy’s home office. I wandered a little closer and discovered that what I thought I heard was indeed what I did hear—Christmas music.  As it turns out, she was just in the mood.  You see, Christmas music is so enjoyable, and she asked why save it for just a few weeks, once a year?  Why indeed? So, she continued to play the music of “that most wonderful time of the year” and she enjoyed it and so did I.

After all, who said we could only celebrate Christmas in December.  Why not July?  It turns out that Christmas in July is not a new “thing.” For years a few things would pop up with the idea and theme of “Christmas in July.”  In fact, tonight at the church where I pastor, we did something very Christmas like.  We packed Operation Christmas Child boxes in preparation for them being shipped around the world to children in need in some of the neediest places there are.

The boxes have a few toiletry items like soap, a toothbrush, a comb, and a washcloth.  Then there are always some school supplies and finally a few small toys.  In fact, the boxes for the 10-14 boys tonight got some simple tools.  Now here in America, the box would only garner a quick glance and a yawn but where these boxes are headed—well, it will be like our Christmas morning…no matter the date they arrive. And trust me…Operation Christmas Child is one of the most splendid things we can do for the others in this world who have so little.

So, let me encourage you to pack a shoebox…oh, definitely this November and December…but why not right now…in July?  In fact, why not pack one every month?  When you think of the excitement those kids will experience and then add to the fact that a local pastor will share the Good News of Christmas too, well it is quite the deal. So let me wish you a very Merry Christmas in July and let me remind you what the Christmas Child taught us…it is more blessed to give than to receive…whether it is July or December.

Christmas is God’s great idea…that His Son would come to earth, can you imagine that? God becoming a little baby, all for the purpose of showing His love for us.  He cared enough that He provided a way for all of us who choose to repent and believe in Him, so that we can be a part of His family…having the right to call Him, “Dearest Daddy.”  Having the right to know that no matter what, He will take care of us.  Knowing that no matter what…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Easter, friends, gratitude, Holidays, life, love, loving others, Scripture, thankful

The Empty Egg

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5

Warning…familiarity ahead.  You probably know the old saying that familiarity breeds contempt. You know, you hear something, you read something, you see someone, you eat something and what used to bring a smile garners a yawn or a wince.  It can happen to the best of us…it probably has happened to all of us and just about this time of year it may happen again if we aren’t careful.  Let me explain.

This past week, I received an email that told a story.  Just about this time of year, it makes its annual appearance in our inboxes or on Facebook. While the story is told with some variation, it goes something like this. There was a special needs 8-year-old boy named Philip who loved to attend Sunday School at his church. The other boys and girls didn’t really accept Philip but thanks to the diligent efforts of the teacher, they were slowly beginning to see him as part of their group.

One Easter Sunday, the teacher brought in a bunch of plastic eggs to class.  She gave one to each of the children in her class and told them to go outside and find something that reminded them of Easter.  They were to place it in the egg and then bring it back in to show the class. After running around outside for about 20 minutes, the children came back into the class and placed their eggs on the table.

Their teacher began to open each egg—one by one – and each time the grand opening was followed by oohs and aahs from the class. They saw things like flowers, leaves, and even a few baby bugs and butterflies emerge from the containers and each one received warm appreciation.  Just about then it happened.

The teacher finally opened one and inside there was—nothing. The children somehow knew it was Phillip’s egg and then laughed thinking he had not understood the teacher’s instruction.  The children’s laugher soon grew to silence.  The teacher gently asked, “Philip didn’t you understand the assignment?”  And in reply, he said, “Oh yes, teacher.  You see my egg is empty because it is Easter, and the grave of Jesus was empty too.” It was as if a holy stillness filled the room.  Oh yes Philip, more than all the others, understood.  The empty egg proclaimed the empty grave of Jesus.

Now by any standard that is a that great story that teaches a wonderful lesson.  And guess what? It will garner one of two responses from most of us.  Response number one is filled with ooh’s and aah’s because in the simplest of terms the beauty of Easter is given.  It also touches the heart because the child who was often ignored and mocked won the day.

There is another response, and it is really the point of our Grits today. For many of us, we read the story…or even the first couple of lines of it…and then think, “Oh, I’ve heard this before.” The familiarity of the story then promptly robs us of the power of the message.  You see, the story was no less powerful than the first time we heard it but sadly…familiarity did indeed breed contempt.  So, what was your response? More importantly, what is your response to the message of this story we call Easter?

Here’s the big truth.  This weekend, people all over the world, some Jesus followers and some not, will pause their world and probably attend a worship service.  For some it will be something they thought they should do because it is Easter. And guess what? Because for them it is something different, they may just get it.  But for others who regularly attend a worship service and who would never miss a service like Easter, well, the story might just garner a spiritual yawn or a casual, “Oh, I’ve heard this one before.” Trust me, as a pastor, I know the struggle of trying to make a very familiar story sound fresh. But honestly…that shouldn’t be the case…not for something like the Resurrection…not for something as big as this.

I mean, a man dying on purpose for me, for you, being buried and then coming back to life—that really is the biggest of news.  It could never deserve a spiritual yawn or a casual “ho-hum.”  Nope, it just flat out deserves a hallelujah.  So let me suggest that no matter how well, or not, the speaker speaks, no matter how much you like, or dislike, the music, how about making every effort to hear and see the Easter story with fresh eyes.  Ask God to make it like the first time—and then watch Him and hear Him say, “Gladly. I’ve got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, Grace, gratitude, Integrity, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, sovereignty of God, thankful

Snippet

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14

It’s tucked away in the memories of my mind…a snippet in a sea of remembrances.  I’ve said it so many times by now that some might say it is overkill, but the bottom line is my Daddy and Momma went so far to make special days…special.  The king of the hill, of course, was Christmas but they also tried to make each birthday special. They couldn’t afford it but somehow, they did it. And one of those sacrifices is the center of the snippet.

It was probably 1959.  I was about five years old growing up in a world so different from today you would think that we moved to a different planet. It was a dozen days past Christmas, and it was my birthday. I’m sure there was cake, I’m sure there was a family celebration but what I remember most is the present.  I’m not sure how you decide what to get a five-year-old but Daddy and Momma sure knocked it out of the park that year.

Since there were no K-Marts or Walmart’s, I can only imagine that Daddy and Momma went down to the local Western Auto to shop.  If you don’t remember they were a neighborhood store that was part appliance store, part general store and part household store.  They also had a selection of toys…especially at Christmas and maybe that is why they had what I got.  That year my parents bought me an ice cream truck.

Well, it really wasn’t a truck, and it really didn’t hold ice cream but it was something special.  It had three wheels, like a trike, but behind the seat it had large metal box with decals that said, “ice cream.”  The handlebars had those plastic streamers on each end, the front wheel had a fender and of course, it had a bell.  I can remember driving and peddling down the road in front of our house.  There was little traffic so there was also little danger of getting run over.

For some reason I can remember about a quarter of mile down the road a man was building a small box house.  He was singlehandedly taking on this project, and I decided to peddle down there and he was working away.  I “pulled up” and asked if he would like an ice cream and the reason I remember him, his house and that day was that rather than brush me off…he played along and if I remember correctly, almost every day I would peddle down the road to see my new customer and friend.  The ice cream was pretend, but his kindness was not.  Looking back at this snippet of a memory, it still makes me smile.

Hanging over the fireplace in my wife’s “keeping room” is a quote by Maya Angelou.  Something she said says so much.  She said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And that is the very reason I remember this man taking time from building a house to talk and befriend a five year old boy.  I don’t remember his name, but I do remember his heart.

What about you?  What about us?  I wonder will we take the time to be kind…to treat someone with an extra measure of kindness and implant a “snippet” in their hearts? In those days when I was five, kids were supposed to be more seen than heard.  There seemed to be the adult world and the kid’s world and while there weren’t walls there were boundaries and this kind man chose to move beyond the boundary.  He made me feel…important.  He made me feel like I mattered.  Perhaps today, we should try to do the same.  Today, perhaps we should choose to be like…Jesus.

Jesus was famous for seeing the invisible people and touching the untouchable.  He even said one time, “Let the little children come to Me.”  He would have said to that little five-year-old boy with an ice cream truck, “Let Dewayne come to me.”  And I want you to know that no matter how invisible you feel, no matter how insignificant…you are not either to Jesus!  Tattoo that on your hearts…you matter, and you matter a lot to Him.  So, if life seems overwhelming, or maybe underwhelming, just remember you’ve got a friend in Jesus.  He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials, wisdom

Lasting Words

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. Numbers 90:12

It wouldn’t cut soft butter today but back then it was cutting edge. I’m a tech guy.  I loved the newest and greatest technology.  When a new something comes out, if I’m not careful, I am on my way to grab one.  Of course, the funny part is it usually ends up sitting around somewhere.  Even my newest iPhone is mad because of the hours it sits on the counter—unloved and unattended.  Frequently I have to apologize for not returning a call or not answering a text…not because I’m ignoring a person—I’m ignoring my phone.

This love affair with tech began when I was a kid. When it came time for Christmas, I would browse the Sears catalogue and dream of the cool gifts that might come my way. And somehow, Momma and Daddy, with a little help from Santa, would pull it off.  Of course, sometimes they surprised me.  It would have been Christmas of, oh, 1966 and I received something totally unexpected and totally cool. It was a small, battery powered, portable reel-to-reel tape recorder.  This was before eight-tracks, before cassettes…before anything.  The size of large book, it gave me the ability to record something and play that something back.

One time I took my recorder to my grandparent’s house in Gainesville, Florida.  My grandfather (there was no “Papa” with him) was talking with my Daddy and was even telling a joke.  I decided to start the recorder and record what they were saying. Sure enough it worked and later, I played the tape for everyone, and we all marveled at the ability for something so small to do that.  But here is the amazing part.  Somewhere in my stuff, is a small reel of tape and on that tape is my grandfather and my Daddy’s voices…probably one of the few recordings to exist.  Even though they are gone…their voices live on.

Their.Voices.Live.On.  Think about that for just a moment.  Both of these men who influenced me so much have long since passed away. But through technology their voices can still be heard.  Oh, I know it is not a big deal now, but back then…it was so unusual and that makes the recording valuable.  They are, if you will, speaking from the grave.

In one of those moments of clarity, I recently realized that I too, one day, will speak from the grave.  My life, my actions, my priorities, my values, sermons I have preached, and stories I have written, will all be left behind and all will speak.  And I wonder…what will they say of me and what will they say of who I was?  When my great grandchildren hear the stories of their great Papa, will those stories be stories worthy to share? Will the words encourage them to live right and do right, or leave them scratching their head like a batter thrown a good curve ball on a hot Saturday afternoon? We should all hope to leave a story that is worth telling…one that brings some light and laughter into their world.

There is a verse I keep coming back to time and again.  Moses wrote it thousands of years ago and yet it is as fresh as today’s news.  He asked God to help him number his days that he could gain a wise heart.  He wasn’t asking for his math to be accurate when he counted birthdays.  No, he was asking that he be wise enough to make the most, the very most, of every single day.

Legacy.  It is a great word, and we are all leaving one.  The only question is, “What kind will it be?” That is up to us.  Five days a week I write a story but in reality…I write one everyday…and so do you.  Let’s be sure to write one worth telling.  Fortunately, there is a publisher who is all about helping us and if we are Jesus followers, we call Him Dearest Daddy.  He is more than willing to help us write a best seller…after all, that’s just one more thing He does.  He’s got that too.  Bro. Dewayne