Today, December 12, 2019, our oldest grandson, Connor, turned eighteen. I can’t say that I never thought that this day would come – it’s something that we have been looking forward to since Connor was born. In fact, I remember the day he was born – our first grandson. And like an oldest child, we thought that he would be the perfect child. Of course, just like we all found out when we raised our kids, there is no such thing as a “perfect” child, or adult, for that matter.
I remember when I turned eighteen and thought I had really arrived. That is, until I found out that I had to register for the Viet Nam draft; and that was kind of scary. I ended up getting #50 in the lottery and by the grace of God, I think that #48 was the last number called the year that I was in the drawing. So… I was never called to serve in Viet Nam.
There were other things that I noticed about turning eighteen. I started having to pay more of my own way – contributing to college expenses, car insurance and other things that I still really wanted my parents to handle. And suddenly, I found myself asking questions and looking for answers to problems that I hadn’t faced before.
Back in those days, I didn’t have the faith that I have today. Clearly, I tried to do things in my own power – and as I have become older, I realize that my earlier way of handling things wasn’t the right answer. Although I believed in God, attended church and intellectually realized that I should trust God, it was easier to know in my head than to really embrace with my heart – especially when I was eighteen.
My father certainly wasn’t as faithful as Mom and I think that my life may have been a little easier if my family had depended more on God in my early years. At least Connor has been embraced by his mother (our daughter, Kristin) and the rest of us who have embraced the idea of living God centered lives since before Connor was born.
Connor has been raised in the church; and surrounded by people of faith who believe in him. He has been active in scouting and today he attained his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout – a rare achievement that shows his dedication to finishing things that he has started – and he started scouting back when he was six!
Anyway, throughout my life, I have turned to the Bible many times for answers. And while I may not have liked the answers I received, I know that God always has my best interests in mind. The same is true for Connor. The verse for tonight highlights Paul’s thoughts on the Word of God for each of us.
In Paul’s second letter to his young pastor friend, Timothy, he admonishes his young protege to stay the course. Paul tells Timothy, and us, in 2 Timothy 3:14-17, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
My encouragement to Connor, and to the rest of us, is that the Bible contains the answers to every issue that may confront us. It is the best book of plans, and roadmap, that has ever been created for the benefit of mankind. My prayer is that Connor will have a full, rich life focused on the Creator of the universe and His Son, Jesus. Happy Birthday, Connor. We love you! Have a great day in the Lord grace and peace…