Easter is coming and that brings a lot of changes. Of course it brings the daffodils and tulips but it also brings most families to one of two annual trips to church. I remember Kerney Graham, pastor of the United Methodist Churches at Grainola, Webb City and Foraker sharing an observation that on Christmas and Easter a lot of families think about the spiritual side of life. I was a kid back then but never forgot his thoughts about if I were to stand before God and He was looking at my church attendance would He be thinking I am on his team? The better question I thought was, "would He let me in?" or "would there be evidence that I was guilty of being one of His". Or "why should He let me in?" might be a great question. Luckily I found the answer.
Have you ever noticed in life those small events or people who really made a difference in your life? Maybe I am different but I have considered a lot of those things from growing up in the Osage. Here is a short list:
5 years old: I was told I was a hero for protecting Denise Logue from a big dust devil. I thought it was a tornado. I felt mature and good about my actions.
7 years old: Geneva Snyder (first grade teacher before she had a brain tumor) telling me I was too big. I wished for years I was small like Jon Tanny, Jimmy H. and Hugh Allen Jones.
9 year old: Aunt Gladys (Shidler High School Teacher) telling me I was really good at puzzles and understood new math better than some of her high school students. I studied math and science in college and her encouragement drove my entire career.
10 Years old: Mr. Lewis Morris encouraging me in math and science and sports.
Always: Mom and Dad telling me I could do anything if I chose to and worked hard enough. They never said I had to be the smartest but just focus and stick to it.
12 Years old: Coach Gillstrap told me I should play football and he wanted me on his team. I could not wait. I was so excited that I talked my folks into to letting me go to Shidler one year early.
16 years old: Dr. Maoza (not sure how to spell it) told me I could not play football. I became more determined than ever to play in spite of an injury as a freshman.
16 years Old: Mrs. Helen Head telling me how well I dressed. It made me try harder as I wanted to meet her expectations. She was a tough one but she made me better at English and I wanted to please her.
17 years old: Mr. Treadway telling me I was one of his best acting students and I needed to keep my sideburns cut.
Well you get the idea. I know some folks are not as competitive and some folks just have more talent and potential but I never thought my glass was half full. I did not try to find the bad in folks or figure out why I should be unhappy or why I was not as smart as the next person. In fact over the years I have made the comment that a lot of folks are smarter but I can out work anyone and with enough time I will win. Losing and being depressed or getting down on myself was not an option. I do have to confess that over the years I have had plenty of ups and downs and I do get down on myself sometimes but overall I just want to be the best I can be with what I got and a little bit more.
So what do you learn in the Osage?
- Going to church is not a one or two time event but a life style especially if you really do want Him to decide in your favor. Luckily none of it depends on me other than making a choice. If you don't get the idea call me and I will explain.
- Getting down has no bearing on the outcome. Only getting up and doing it quickly matters.
- Encourage someone. Make a difference, a positive difference, in someones life even if you don't have the fortitude to make your own life better.
- It is ALL your choice!
- Don't count on God if He cannot count on you.
Thanks for your time,
gary@thepioneerman.com
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