Memories of My Grandpa
Sometimes it is intriguing what memories can surface, seemingly out of nowhere. That could be what happens, out of nowhere, but I don't think this is always true. Today I was lying in bed, thinking and getting ready mentally for a new group of student teachers. As I lay there, I began to pray, worship, and draw on God's grace. Almost immediately, an image of my maternal grandfather, Grandpa Geesey, came to mind. The image was of him standing with one arm raised, praising God. It was a scene of tranquil intensity, alone with his God. Then I saw Grandma Geesey, serving food, caring for those in need.
This was not a random thought, but sent from the heart of the Father. God had touched a cell, a memory deep in my (very long ago) long term memory and made it real for right now. It has been said by many that we view God the same way we see our earthly fathers and grandfathers. My father was called to the mission field early in life, and lived his life accordingly. Both of my grandfathers had a passion for serving God. Grandpa Geesey raised eight children, all who were in ministry or very active in their churches. Grandpa Seale was a circuit preacher who traveled the east Texas country side in a mule-drawn buckboard preaching to whoever would listen, planting many churches along the way.
I believe God was reminding me of my calling, my family heritage. I was called to serve, to worship God. My calling has has been to children, especially those disenfranchised and left behind, and especially those left behind by NCLB. Now as I work with teachers, I realize that I am uniquely qualified to help them grow into caring, skilled professionals who don't forget their own weaknesses and shortcomings--teachers who regard themselves and their students as just people, no matter how advanced their students' abilities and/or disabilities are.
What is the point of all this? I can't forget where I came from, that while I am breaking away from the path my family has always traveled, I am still following in the footsteps of my father and grandfathers and reaching out with the hand of the Lord to those He calls his dear children. I need to maintain that closeness, the intensity of Grandpa Geesey's relationship with God every day, all day.
This was not a random thought, but sent from the heart of the Father. God had touched a cell, a memory deep in my (very long ago) long term memory and made it real for right now. It has been said by many that we view God the same way we see our earthly fathers and grandfathers. My father was called to the mission field early in life, and lived his life accordingly. Both of my grandfathers had a passion for serving God. Grandpa Geesey raised eight children, all who were in ministry or very active in their churches. Grandpa Seale was a circuit preacher who traveled the east Texas country side in a mule-drawn buckboard preaching to whoever would listen, planting many churches along the way.
I believe God was reminding me of my calling, my family heritage. I was called to serve, to worship God. My calling has has been to children, especially those disenfranchised and left behind, and especially those left behind by NCLB. Now as I work with teachers, I realize that I am uniquely qualified to help them grow into caring, skilled professionals who don't forget their own weaknesses and shortcomings--teachers who regard themselves and their students as just people, no matter how advanced their students' abilities and/or disabilities are.
What is the point of all this? I can't forget where I came from, that while I am breaking away from the path my family has always traveled, I am still following in the footsteps of my father and grandfathers and reaching out with the hand of the Lord to those He calls his dear children. I need to maintain that closeness, the intensity of Grandpa Geesey's relationship with God every day, all day.
Labels: Disability
posted by Arthur Seale at 1:25 PM
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