My Grandpa was a pastor for many many years, about 50 years if my math is right. He was also married for 50 years. And 5 kids later, he has grandkids and great grandkids by the handful.
Today is his 82nd Birthday.
I was able to face time with him from Georgia to California.
He gave me some great wisdom I cherish.
He’s the legacy I get to follow in, the shoulders I get to stand on, the one with whom I’m extremely grateful for paving ways for myself and thousands more.
As a Pastor, a shepherd of the flock, he says…
“Tend the sheep. Use the rod and staff.
Few goats might get in, but tend the sheep.
Just as Peter was commissioned.
It’s hard but for many years I took care of the flock.
Dios te bendiga”
Wow. This was very moving to my soul and spirit. Here’s a man, at age 82, who did what I’m about to do.
He’s looking backwards, I’m looking forward.
And he gives these nuggets of wisdom. He’s given me many more over the years. But today, on his 82nd, this was it.
And this was powerful.
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me besides still waters.
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
They rod and thy staff they comfort me…”
How we all don’t like the rod and the staff.
We don’t like correction.
But the rod and the staff are good. When used correctly, they bring comfort. God’s comfort.
50 years of Pastoring is probably one of the hardest things to ever do in life. But I know my Grandpa did what he could to steward the flock, to teach them, disciple them, provide for them, and keep them in line, in the boundaries of the Lord’s keeping.
He added in our iPhone call…”There’s no diploma, I didn’t get no diploma…” (insert his chuckle here:)
I know what he meant.
There’s no accolades, recognition, grand banquets as the years go by. But my Grandpa reminded me, “But we do it for the Lord.”
Thank you Grandpa, for 50 years. For 82 years thus far, of living your life for God, for others, and for a legacy and inheritance for us all.
Happy Birthday Grandpa! Dios te bendiga!
