There are times in a persons life when they question if they have made a positive impact on the lives of those around them. For me this has been happening the last couple of weeks. In roughly ten days time we have had four people pass away that were connected to our church in one way or another. Two of those people were very active in the church and were greatly loved. As I sat in there funerals I thought about their lives and how they influenced people by just loving the people that came into there paths. I thought about what people might say at my funeral. Would they say I touched there lives in profound ways for the positive. Is it possible that nobody would have anything sincerely honest to say about me that would make my family proud.
Skip forward a week to last night. We are getting ready for worship team rehearsal and I see several people from the church enter the sanctuary from the back door. As I watch them enter I am thinking “they must have just finished a small group”. However as I thought about the members of this “small group” and knowing some of the particulars of their lives I realized they weren’t there for a Bible study. As they continued to walk closer to the platform I asked them what was going on. One persons spoke up and said “we are here for the music”. Then I knew something wasn’t right. I began to think, “is this some sort of intervention”. My mind began to think back, “did I do something to offend somebody?”. At that moment my friend Bill stood up and and addresses me. He explained that I was greatly loved by the church and that they wanted to do something to bless me. So they all pitched in and pooled enough money to buy me something that I had been in need of for a while. Just then a young lady appeared from the area behind the platform holding a sleek looking black guitar case. The group presented me with the case. As I opened the case it revealed a Breedlove atlas series acoustic guitar with L.R. Baggs electronics. I couldn’t believe it. It took everything I had to keep from breaking down and balling like a baby. I have never had such a great gift. I commented on the fact that it wasn’t Christmas or even my birthday. The reply came, “It isn’t about a holiday, it is about love”. To all who were involved in making this happen I would like to offer my sincere gratitude. You have blessed me immensely. The gift will be enjoyed. Thank you for making me feel loved and making me feel like I have made a difference in your lives.
You have made a difference in more lives than you know. It is because of the times you have been there, to be an encouragement, a listening ear, and to even offer a hug and point those you care about (which is everyone ;o) back to God, His Word and Promises….that these Blessings are returned to you!! You are a wonderful man of God who deserves the Best of what God has for you and I am so proud to call you my friend and Brother! I love you!!!
Your Sis Sandi ;o)