Impact of the Moment

Yesterday, Devon and I drove to Locust Grove to attend a funeral. The deceased wasn't necessarily a personal close friend however his son was a student in Devon's youth group while we were "ministerially stationed" at First Baptist Church in Locust Grove. The community is always a fun one to visit as things are a lot simpler. There is always an effort to preserve the legacy in the true persona of the honoree, whether it be a wedding, celebration, or funeral. In this case, we honored Stanley "Six Pack" Six. He was a biker. And you can imagine the regalia that presented itself. The service was quite entertaining and had everything from the bar band to about fifty bikers decked out in full leather chaps and vests.

Although we talk with a few friends from Locust (as the natives call it), we rarely get to see those that were in our youth group some ten years ago. Ironically, we had just run into Brandon, the son of our friend Six Pack, a few weeks back and exchanged phone numbers. A timely encounter, I suppose, as we were one of the first people he text messaged to tell us his dad had suffered a sudden, massive heart attack. Devon called Brandon and offered his condolences and reassured him we would do our best to make it to the service. Fortunately, both of our work schedules afforded us time to drive out to the hills of Locust and pay our respects.

We pulled up into the crowded parking lot of cars, Harley's, and lingering smokers. As we rounded the outside corner of the church Brandon caught sight of us and bee lined to Devon arms open wide. Brandon snatched Devon up like a little teddy bear and squeezed him so tight I thought Devon's head was going to pop off. As they embraced, Brandon sobbed into Devon's shoulder. We stayed through the funeral and was lingering with the other attendants outside as the family had their private viewing.

We stood in the hallway and a handful of our former "kids" gathered around us. It was awesome to see them all grown, married, with kids. I think back when Devon was the youth pastor at the small church. We were just "kids" too. The youth we helped mentor and guide were only a few years younger than us. We listened as guys all recanted stories and mischief all of them plus Devon got into. The conversation began to wane and some drifted around to greet the family. A former youth, Shalon, talked to Devon and I by ourselves. He told us how he had just gone through a messy separation with his wife and was raising his three year old son by himself. He reflected on an especially difficult evening he had. Shalon said I remembered back in high school, when my parents were going through a really hard time and Devon helped me out with that. I made it through that mess, he said, I can make it through this one too.

Devon and I often look back at our short stint in ministry together. We laugh and cringe at how young and naive we were and the many, many mistakes we made. But God still used us. I believe Devon's relationships he built in the three short years with those boys still impacts them today. Obviously, for Shalon and Brandon to remember back to that time even still ten years later means something.

God has meaning for us in everything that we do. And even those things we do in stupidity or naivety. He still uses us. Don't feel as if you have no meaning or purpose. Not to sound to Rick Warren-ish BUT God has you right where you are for a purpose. You are impacting and influencing those around you. Remember that today as you go about your work day, your school day, buy groceries, drive down the freeway. God has purpose for your exact location and moment. Take advantage of it. You do your best, and we know God will do the rest.