Mondays I generally try to shine a spotlight on one of the Awana missionaries in the U.S. If you haven’t read those posts, then I encourage you to see the list of all the Awana Missionaries that have been highlighted to this point. Today, I am going to divert from that for a moment and look at a bigger picture. The legacy that each of us leaves, the tapestry that we weave as we reach others for Jesus. Sometimes we forget about the impact we have on others, whether positive, or negative.
As we get older, we realize that we are “becoming our parents”. That experience is different for each person. I have had a lot of time to reflect on that recently. For those who do not know, my mother passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 21st and her funeral was Christmas Eve. Exactly 3 weeks later, my father passed away unexpectedly and his funeral was held exactly 3 weeks after my mother’s (at the same place) on what would have been their 61st wedding anniversary. Because of this, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the impact that they have had on my life, and the lives of others. The tapestry which they have been a part of, and I will never know the full impact, but I do know that I am a part, and if you are reading this, then you are also a part of that tapestry.
As I wrote in the post, “Why I Serve“, a big part of why I serve is because my parents modeled it. I saw it in their daily lives and I was given opportunities to serve as a youth. Offer the last six weeks I have had to make several adjustments and gone through many memories. At this time I am also realizing more about the insignificance of material things. If you have lost both parents in a short amount of time, then you probably have a better understanding of what I am going through at this time. I really haven’t wanted to post sharing all that I’ve gone through because I know that I am not the only one who has, or will, go through this, but I hope that by sharing, others who have faced a time of sorrow like this will be encouraged and know they are not alone – and for those in the future who may face this will know that they have someone they can talk to that has been through a similar season of life. It is a difficult time for me and will be for a while, but I am getting through it and getting back “on track”. I appreciate all of the prayers and support that I have received these last six months. This is all a part of the tapestry that is a part of my life, and that you are a part of as well.
So take a look at the video that Awana showed at their 60th anniversary simulcast and reflect on how those that were before you are a part of the tapestry of your life that you are weaving now, and how the impact you have today will affect many, becoming a part of that tapestry, for years to come.
Woven Through Time (3:53) from Awana® Clubs International
