THE IMPACT OF ONE SENTENCE…”I’m Proud of You!”

It was a beautiful day just off the shore of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois. The sky was blue and the breeze cool and gentle.  My family traveled there on a Saturday to witness a long tradition of academic institutions…graduation. 

Linda and I returned to our alma mater, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, to witness and share in the joy of our good friend’s receiving of his long sought after doctorate of ministry degree.

We entered the same United Methodist Sanctuary where Linda and I “high-fived” each other 29 years ago as we received our diplomas for our Master of Divinity degrees.  Garrett’s graduation is thick with the pomp and circumstance of the academic world as scholars and theologians dressed in their finest garb enter to confer degrees and stoles and hoods upon the recipients.

The appropriate introductions of dignitaries were given and the commencement speaker was exceptional.  He told us, “It is not a calamity to die with your dreams unfulfilled.  It is a calamity to never have dreamed.”  And he shared this profound tidbit, “Do not let what you have learned change or take away what you know.”  This was specific in regards to faith.  We should never let new knowledge of the brain diminish or take away the knowledge of the heart filled with Christ.

But the show stealer did not come from those seated up front.  Rather, it came from the man who was sitting in the pew in front of me.  It was my friend’s father.  After the initial hooping and hollering from those of us who came to witness his crowning moment the crowd became silent as Brian began moving down the three steps off of the platform to return to his seat.  It was in that moment of silence that the most impactful words were spoken by a father to his son; “I’M PROUD OF YOU, SON.”  It was an intimate moment from the heart of a father to the heart of his son that acknowledged his accomplishment and affirmed the faithful pride he had for the child he had raised.  Though he admitted to me later that he did not feel he could take any credit for how his son turned out, he was proud all the same.

Twice in the New Testament God speaks such words about His son, Jesus.  At the moment of Jesus’ baptism God’s voice was heard saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 4:1)  And again, at the top of Mount Tabor during the transfiguration of Jesus while he was enveloped in a cloud, God’s voice says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 17:5)  Sometimes a father, a parent, cannot help himself when his heart is filled with the joy of his child.  When the heart swells with pride; good pride, the voice cannot be silenced.

I am fully aware that there are too many reading this today that have never heard such impacting words or who feel as if he/she does not deserve to hear such words because of what you have done.  Know this, God’s heart swells at the sight of you.  God loves you unconditionally and is proud of you.  If you have not heard such words please hear them now, “Son, daughter I love you and I am proud of you!”  God 

May you hear and say words to others that may impact them with love and pride today.

Congratulations Brian!

CIRCUS PEANUTS

I don’t recall ever purchasing them in a grocery store.  Most often, I buy them at a convenient mart that is linked with a gas station.  I cannot honestly say that I remember the first time that I had one, only that it is as if they have always been there.  The bright orange chewy goodness usually comes in small bags two for $1.00 if I am lucky and can be found hanging just above the gummy worms or in one aisle over from the healthier choice of trail mix or granola bars.  Maybe because they resemble an over sized peanut in a shell that one might have purchased from a vendor in a paper bag at a three ring circus they are called Circus Peanuts.

I love the way they taste but I believe my affection goes deeper than my sense of taste.  I believe it is the association with so many positive memories that make them irresistible.  Ever since my first mission trip as a youth I remember buying Circus Peanuts.  I have discovered that other people either love them (as I do) or hate them.  Then as I began taking youth on ministry trips to serve the population of a flooded town, or to help rebuild a damaged house, or on a ski trip retreat, or to an amusement park or as most recently when I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia with 5 others from the church to attend an inspiring ministry conference, I have always been able to reach over while driving and grab and pop a Circus Peanut into my mouth.

They are quite practical.  If they are left in the glove compartment too long and become stale you simply sit them in the sun to warm them up to a chewable temperature.  And they are quite the conversation snack as so many folks (as I have learned) have no clue what I am eating and enjoying.  I have introduced many a youth and adult to the experience of bright orange marshmallow joy; Circus Peanuts.

I hope you are beginning to see that it is the association of the snack with the memorable people and experiences of ministry, fellowship, mission, long trips and valued conversations.  Each time I place a small prepackaged bag of Circus Peanuts in yet another church van, I begin to remember some of the history and experience of my life in ministry and non luxurious travel.  And it just feels and “tastes” so good.

Here’s a question, “Do you have anything in your life that reminds you of God’s goodness and blessings?”

If not, let me suggest that for now you borrow my Circus Peanuts.  Allow me to lend you that which will point you to an association with good and positive memories in your life.  By the way, every time God pops a Circus Peanut, God thinks of you!  May you make some great memories today as you are reminded of God’s love for you.