Late Bloomer Pt 2 - Three generations in one life!

Joshua 4:20–22 It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ ²² Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’

God created us to "digest" our life. How? By taking time to meditate on your life! Every rose has many petals; it is essential to examine each petal and see what treasure God wove into it. This cannot happen if you make life so busy you cannot just stop, quiet your spirit, calm your mind and reflect on the various episodes and seasons of your life and see God's work of Grace in your life. 

The example I want to share with you is how God brought three generations of Grace into my life. Three men impacted my life significantly.

Dave entered as I was planting a Church from scratch. He was a little older and very open to sharing what God had taught him in his life, and we spent time developing our friendship. God allowed Dave to be in my life for decades; we laughed, cried, prayed, and grew together. Some of my most precious memories are the times we would meet on the beach in Waikiki before the sun came up, or share a meal after a long week, or sit and look at the news and solve all the world's problems in less than an hour! LOL, We used to walk together every Tuesday night; one yard had a 10-foot thick hedge that looked like a wall! Every time we approached, we would hear blood-curdling growls, frightening barking, and then see the hedge shake! We both always wondered what that beast looked like...though God never allowed us that opportunity! PTL Personally, I think in eternity, if God has video we can look at, we will see a Chihuahua! Dave joined me as I took some significant steps in my life: Leaving the Church I planted and moving 4,800 miles away to a 101-year-old Church, his example at my home Church, which he was called to Shepherd, and his counsel allowed me not to split that Church. He encouraged and joined the board of GWM as I left that Church to move 8,500 miles away to a Culture I did not understand, a climate that I do not like. Dave never shared an opinion that would cause me to doubt; many others did. Instead, he shared tough questions that I needed to ask, so I understood the cost, and he encouraged me consistently to listen only to God as far as my final decision. 

When I was thirty years old, Lawrence came into my life, stepping into his Church, which was 101 yrs old. Lawrence immediately shared meals with my family. He made it clear his house was always open for a visit and had the courage to lovingly correct me when I needed it. I remember the first communion service I led. We spend time in soul searching and confession of sin — men with men, women with women. Then we share a simple meal together, enjoying fellowship and testimonies, followed by the bread and cup. I was used to a tiny group, this was very new for me, and I did not pay attention to the time. The next day Lawrence stopped by and asked if we could talk. Lawrence had a deep voice and sounded like he had gravel in his larynx! With the gentleness of a true friend, he shared how so many in this older Church loved the service but could not handle how long it was. That following Sunday, I stated from the Pulpit: "God has helped me see that last week I was insensitive, a man with 30yr old bones needs to remember those with older bones, Forgive me and know from now on we will have a service that fits the needs of all." Lawrence became a dear confidant and helped me navigate this wonderful family of God! He is with Jesus now...I hope he still has that very familiar rasp in his voice when I see him again. 

Steve was a young man when I met him. Before I knew it, we had grown into brothers and friends. Steve became the 2nd missionary in GWM and went to India. His unbelievable abandon for Christ allowed him to live in the poorest of the poor areas of India. I was awestruck at his dedication to do whatever it took to bring the Good news to those that did not know it. At one point, his life was endangered, so he left India and lived with us for quite a while. God led Steve to leave the field and become a Pastor. Without trying, not only did we have a deep friendship, but he saw me as an older brother model. Even now, just remembering brings such emotions! Steve and I had a special greeting that I cannot explain, except that we would try to make the noises unique each time, and both of us would begin our communication laughing! Whenever either of us was down, we would call, just to laugh before we talked about the serious issue. With Steve, the phone worked both ways! Recently, at 49, Steve went to be with the Lord, I still have his number on my phone; countless times in this past year, I have started to call, then remembered he is Home, not here. I miss Steve; as iron sharpens iron, he sharpened me, and I hope I sharpened him.

Here is what you need to know, hence the title. Each one of these men had the last name of Mitchell! Lawrence was Dave's father, and Dave was Steve's father! Three generations of godly men that the Lord brought into my life! This is a most precious petal on my bloom, and that is only one of many petals! What a great God we have!

The So What: Stop! Take a breath and reflect on this life God has given you. You will discover petals from the Holy Spirit. Your life is worth more than you understand and can impact countless individuals as the Lord opens doors and will bring that Peace that your heart craves! This world is a war due to sin. Do you fight to live...or live to fight?