The Hermitage
January 15, 2020
My 82nd Birthday
On this day in 1929, a couple in Atlanta, Georgia gave birth to a son. On this day in 1938, a couple in San Angelo, Texas gave birth to a son. On this day through thousands of years, couples have given birth to sons and daughters.
They all share three things in common. For the most part the parents just wished their children would have better lives than they had, with hopes and dreams for the future, but no clue what would actually transpire in the years to come.
The fathers, mothers and children all share the second commonality— each is absolutely unique.
The third commonality, however, is the most important.
Every one of these mothers and fathers, and every one of their sons and daughters, was born a child of God. And at the moment of conception God had a plan for his or her life. (Jeremiah 1:5) It was a unique mission that could be fulfilled only by that person.
Some knew their mission with laser focus and followed it even unto death. Michael King, Jr., better known to the world as Martin Luther King, Jr was one of those. And although not born on this day, Gandhi was another
Others never knew, or perhaps never even cared, and lived lives of “quiet desperation.”
Some longed for it and searched endlessly but never really knew who they were created to be.
And many searched, found, and followed to the best of their ability.
The former achieved justly deserved fame and a notable place in history. The roll call of the latter would more than fill the shelves of all the libraries in the world.But every one, notable or unremarkable, is known personally—by name—to their creator, the King of Kings. (Jeremiah 49:16)
The other commonality the latter have shared is they are part of the 32 Nails phenomenon whether they know it or not. . Some, famous or unremarkable, may be fortunate to have a glimpse of lives they have touched — but none will ever fully know how many they have profoundly impacted by their simple presence and faithful pursuit of their life’s mission. I think of...
The hardy group of men and women who built new homes for the families devastated by Hurricane Mitch,
The small group who followed Fr. Eapen into India, built a church, preached the Gospel, and founded Jaipur Children’s Home (for which you will find no references, no matter how hard you search the internet,)
Thomas Baby and his wife, who shepherded the children which JCH took in. How many lives will they change through raising the first child that came to them—now a doctor who ministers to those in the slums from which he came,
The Senders of SAMS and members of other organizations, who support missionaries, who--in turn--will never know how many lives are touched by their sacrificial giving of life and ministry.
These, to me, are the true heroes of the Faith:
Those who, to the best of their ability, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit into the daily adventure of the unknown, serving without counting the cost, pressing on “...toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Till then,
Thanks for yonderin’ with me.