Thanks, Whoever You Are!

Though it is late June, the memories of  recent high school and college graduations still linger. Congratulations to all the graduates, and to their families.   I got to thinking the other day about when I graduated from high school and prepared to go to college.  Though my Mom got her high school diploma through the GED program and never went to college, she instilled in me the importance of education.   Consequently, I can remember at age 11 going to the local bank and opening a savings account to save money for college.    In August 1971, I was excited as the time for my time to go to college came close and I prepared to attend Methodist College (now Methodist University) in Fayetteville.   A few weeks before I was to head to college, the bill came in the mail for the cost of the first semester.   It was much more than our family had anticipated.  Since I was the first in   my family to head to college, I believe that all of us was not sure that a semester was half a school year instead of the full school year.   Consequently, the amount of monies our family was to have to pay was double what we had anticipated.  I can remember sitting down at the dinner table on the day that bill came in the mail and my Mom crying as she realized that we were $500 short of the money needed for me to go to college. 

I was working that summer at Burlington Industries in Burlington.  I can remember during my lunch break the next day finding a quiet place at work and praying about our financial dilemma.  Despite my anxiety, I believed that if  God wanted me to go to college and become a pastor that a way would be provided for me to go.     I noticed a day or so after that a flyer on one of the bulletin boards at Burlington Industries about a loan program that they had to assist college students.    I inquired about it even though the date had passed for applications.   I spoke to my supervisor about my situation, and was overjoyed when Burlington Industries agreed to loan me $500 to go to college that Fall!  Through the graciousness of folks at Burlington Industries bending the rules after the deadline, God did provide.  

I could not tell you the names of the people at Burlington Industries that made the decisions and broke the rules so I could begin my college career.   What I do know is that my life has been filled with a legion of  un-named, unknown  persons who blessed me through their graciousness and generosity.      In John 6, we hear of a time when an un-named boy shares bread and fish that Jesus uses to feed thousands of people.   While many of us marvel at the miracle of what Jesus does with a few loaves and fish,  let us not forget the anonymous boy who generously shared what he had.     I give thanks for the many anonymous people at Burlington Industries long ago and through the years who  blessed me through their generosity.   I suspect you can say the same.   Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:   O God, my life is littered with so many people who have blessed me through their kindnesses.    I cannot thank them all, but I thank you now for them.  As I  have been blessed, grant that I might bless others;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.