People Define You

For me, it is people that define life and ministry; it isn't the professional accomplishments. Professional accomplishments have their place, but not first place. If a person leaves a trail of great sermons and new buildings, but the people are broken and disillusioned, that person didn't leave much.

As I look back I can't say it was my sermons that I remember the most - it was the people! People take first place when it comes to memories. When I was in the Tonkin Gulf (Vietnam), I took a hundred sunsets pictures, but it was the people pictures I like the most. This week an Evangelist and his wife came in to see me - "you remember us? You were in Fairbanks and we were with Pastor Jack in Eagle river?" They were excited about their visit - they were remembering people. Steve and Callie, who now live in Texas, were in Fairbanks at Mavis' memorial service. We had fished, hunted caribou from a dog sled, and survived some very cold weather together. We sat at Chile's in Fairbanks and talked about Jesus and days long past. It was good! When I call my son's home, I often ask if the "little guy" is there. He is six foot and tops 200 pounds. But, I was just remembering the little kid I used to hang around with. At other times, when I call I ask for the "big guy," the guy I still like to hang around with!

From time to time, Tracy and I have a father/daughter luncheon. I talk way too much! I should be more reserved - O give me a break! I don't get to see her very often, so I'm going to enjoy every minute! Then there is Emily (bottom right), I'm afraid she, Trinity, and Aaron, will grow up too fast, and I'll miss something!

Joyce and I went on our first cruise in 2007, celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary - and you guessed it - we went with friends. Our son-in-law's parents! We found ourselves zipping down a Mexican highway in a dune buggy, dodging pot holes, yelling - "look, no hands," or tail lights!

Just remembering out loud.