Articles
Reflections
As I sit this morning, my mind wonders. I begin to reflect. I think about where Jody and I are at in life. Where our kids and grandkids are in life. Where my parents are in life. Then there are things I never gave much thought to.
When we were first married, I never gave much thought to the path of our lives together. I certainly never imagined it being what it is. Of all the things I might have thought about, doing preaching was not even on the list. This past July, I entered my 39th year of doing this work.
Also, I never gave much thought as to being married almost 44 years. I tell people it is only because Jody feared God more. It is certainly not due to my winsomeness. When we became high school sweethearts, being married for any length of time was never in my mind. Not that I thought we would not be, I just did not think about it. Jody is my heartbeat. The apple of my eye.
Further, I never gave any thought to aging, especially my parents, much less myself. Mom is now 89 and dad is now 92. They have slowed down just a bit. I see the effects of age in them. They talk about it, too. I am not ready for them to go, but they are both ready to go home. Jody has buried both of her parents. It has been hard on her. It is not until you gather some age and experience, I suppose, that we realize how much of an anchor our parents are in our lives. Even after losing them, they remain in your life and heart. Recently, my dad had to get a new computer. Several of the fellows who worship with him helped to get him set up. David Watson, who is dad’s co-worker, helped dad a lot. I was talking to David one day, asking him how it was going. David said, “I got the picture of his mom and dad loaded as his screen saver. Now he is happy.” My dad’s folks have been gone a long time, yet he still misses them and longs for them. They are still anchors.
Additionally, I never gave much thought to my kids having their own families. I was too busy raising them. I never gave thought to them being where they are today. Codie and Kam and their mates are amazing. They are our life! Their kids are our pride and great joy. I admire them all so much! They are so much better at their age than I was at their age. My regret is that I did not enjoy them more when they were home. Life, raising, and providing got in the way.
Finally, while I never gave any thought to preaching, I certainly never imagined working with a church like Campbell Road. The people who comprise this church are so good to me and Jody. I am privileged to work with six great men who shepherd this flock. I have the opportunity to help young men develop as evangelists, Drew Nelson and now Ryan King. I have worked with two great young men as co-workers. First, there was Jacob Hudgins. Now, my co-worker is Jordan Shouse. Both are tremendously talented and gifted.
Talk about a great life! I have it! Thank you God!!
Rickie
