end of life – Solano Writing

Isn’t that just like life.

I arrived home to a misfiring minivan, a broken toilet, weeds threatening the garden, foot high grass in the backyard (it rained so much there was no time to mow), a leaky basement, a failing shower head, and a wife leaving me (just for the week to help her parents. Calm down.)

We managed to get through the week and got all the repairs taken care of but we are still in an emotional fog as my mother-in-law has taken a turn for the worse. She will likely take possession of her heavenly body this week.

This is the view from the middle of the storm.

Emotional and physical exhaustion threaten to rule.

Other than my daily devotional, I’ve only had one chance to sit down and write. The words wouldn’t come.

Even as the storms rage, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there will be sunlight on the other side.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

Psalms 23:4 NLT

My wife and I will rest in God’s strength and guidance as the storm passes.

When we reach the other side, I will update you on my writing journey and the next exciting steps.

Until then, if you are in the middle of life’s storms,

Frank Peretti, one of many teachers in my life.

At a men’s breakfast not long ago, we were asked two questions:

At the end of your life, what do you want people to say about you?

And

What are you doing now to make that happen?

Makes you think, huh?

I sat next to a teacher who wasn’t sure how to answer that second question. He was so wrapped up in the daily duties and pressures of teaching and raising a family that he hadn’t thought in those terms.

After his weak unsure answer, I had to speak.

“I never told Mr. Arnot of the impact he had on my life. Nor Mrs. Fender. Nor any of the other many teachers that profoundly influenced my life. You are making a difference just by being there and teaching faithfully.”

I didn’t get a college degree. I could have completed an education program but, after 3 years of college, I didn’t want to make the transfer and borrow yet more money to make it happen. Instead I took a career path in the technology field.

That hasn’t stopped me from teaching. I’ve trained new hires. I’ve instructed less experienced techs.

Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of teaching in children’s church, Sunday school, and youth groups. While I was one of many voices that spoke into their lives, I’ve seen many of those kids grow up to be excellent men and women. I’d like to think I had a part in that.

All this is to say,

TEACH ON!

Those of you who are teachers by profession, realize that, even when it seems like your words are falling on deaf ears,

you are having a profound impact.

They may not admit it but students are learning from what you say and do and especially from how you say and do.

If you’ve never been a teacher, realize that you are one whether you like it or not.

You influence those around you by what you say and do and how you do it.

We are all teaching those around us.

What is it that you want to teach them?

What are you doing now to accomplish this?

Feel free to comment here or or my Facebook page how you have been influenced by others and how you would like to influence others.

Tag: end of life

The View From Here