Once upon a time....

Flash back to 1999, we were a family of four. Happy in our new roomy house and comfortable in our ways. A few years later, the Lord blessed us with an additional little package, little boy #3. Now we were a family of five and sure that would be the end. As time moved on, so did we. The Lord used the time that passed to open our eyes to His will. Several years ago, Bob and I individually heard the call to adoption. It has been a long "pregnancy", but during this incubation time, the Lord has brought us to where He wants us to be. Spring 2010, we traveled to Ethiopia where two little angels were waiting for the Lord's timing - to become our children. Now we are home and can't imagine life any differently! What a blessing to be in His will.

Galatians 4:5 says "God sent Christ to buy freedom for us, who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as his very own children." We are just following his model. A Perfect picture of salvation.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Legacy

Today I had the honor of serving at Compassion International.  During the regular Chapel meeting, the current President, Wess Stafford, interviewed his predecessor, Wally Erickson.  Compassion's work has grown from modest beginnings in South Korea in 1952 when American evangelist Reverend Everett Swanson felt compelled to help 35 children orphaned by the Korean conflict.  Today Compassion has a worldwide ministry where more than 1.2 million children are now reaping the benefits of one man's clear, God-given vision.  As I listened to their conversation, I was moved by the connection these two men had.  Their friendship centered around their love for the children of the world and for the responsibility that God has put on each of us to care for the vulnerable and oppressed.  Their passion was clear and demonstrated through comments and tears shared as they relived moments in the history of their friendship and ministry.  The Chapel ended with a slideshow of moments captured on film... Wally with children on different continents, in different countries, at different ages, always smiling, always serving the children.

 After Chapel, I had the privilege of assisting in the serving of lunch to Wally, Wess and various employees that had served at Compassion during Wally's tenure.  I watched as Wally and his wife reminisced with old friends and relived even more memories.  I was touched by how moved Wally was...even surprised at how much Compassion had grown since his retirement.  

 That made me think.  What legacy will I leave?  How am I making a difference?  Wally just followed his passion, God's leading.  He invested in those around him and those around the world.  He "trained" Wess for 17 years before his retirement!  Who is right under my nose, that I should be "investing" in?  Obviously, my children.  That's an easy one.  But who else?  The Lord has been leading me into moments and encounters with the people around me.  Each conversation is laced with Him... How He brought us here, Why we said "yes", How He has been faithful to show Himself to us, How we are trusting Him daily.  Not preachy, mind you, just trusting and real.  Slowly and steadily, God is building our base for us.  The foundation on which we will build friendships, support, influence.  Last night, I attended the PTO meeting at our Elementary School and co-volunteered with a neighbor (that I have met once) to organize an event at school, today I served at Compassion, Friday I will attend a Parent gathering where several of us Middle School Moms to pray for our children's school!  I am determined to reach out.  Influence requires ACTION!  

 The catch is... good or bad, we all leave a legacy!  Positive influence or Negative influence?

 What legacy are you leaving?  It's worth thinking about.... better yet, It's worth ACTING ON!!
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