Last week I wrote about how the most authentic version of the Christian life is filled with relationships. Relationships allow us to invest ourselves in things beyond us. Relationships allow us to invest ourselves in things eternal. Relationships remind us of what matters. Relationships motivate us to go the second mile and spend our lives expressing love and concern for others, sharing life and lending a hand to others.
I wrote that blog while Jan and I were in Lubbock to attend the funeral for the mother of one of the elders with whom we minister. I was reflecting upon the importance of the unique relationship we share with this particular shepherd–thinking of ministry shared, mission work shared, and friendship shared. After I finished writing, Jan and I went down to the breakfast room at the hotel. As we were walking down the hallway, a young lady said, “Dr. Young!” Haley Amos had been my student at Ohio Valley University–she now lives in Maine but was in Lubbock to visit her brother whose wife had just had twins. We visited briefly also with Haley’s mother who lives in St. Marys, West Virginia. Her mother remembered me from the times I had served as guest minister at the St. Marys church. Relationships. Memories. Time spent to help others toward heaven.
We briefly spoke to Haley and her family again before we checked out. She excitedly told me that she had texted another former student who lives not far from her in Maine to say that she had seen Dr. Young in Lubbock. When life is over, nothing of the “stuff” will remain–only the decisions we have made to establish relationships. My life is doubly blessed because of relationships–with God, family, friends, those I have taught the gospel in evangelistic Bible studies, students in universities, church leaders I have helped develop–relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ around the world through ministry and mission work.