Quality time & Role Models...

When I began this BLOG posting, I was focusing upon Quality Time, but quickly realized that when spending Quality Time with others, without realizing it, we are often serving as a Role Model, being influenced by a Role Model, or both. Have you ever said, or heard someone else say...I wish I had spent more time with...(you fill in the blanks)?

Dick Kimball

At the age of 78, I now find myself looking back over my life and enjoying the memories, conversations, experiences, I have shared with my friends and family members in the past. I presently live with the realization that all of the interactions I am having today, can become memories for those I someday leave behind. This includes family and friends, to be sure, but also includes people who only observe my behavior from a distance.

In my case, I wanted to be like Dick Kimball, a friend in my church, who was living as a Christian Man, Husband, Father, and Executive. He was a man I looked up to and respected. I thought, 'If only I could be like him...'. Dick became my role model. Lets face it, we don't even have to be the object of the loving actions of others, We can just observe their kind behavior and by modelling them, effectively we are "passing it on" in a similar fashion to others who cross our path.

Grace and Doug Gammage Sr.

Similarly, I remember years ago wanting especially to spend quality time with my mom and dad, while still possible. I wanted opportunities to share with one another those things which were important to be shared, sometimes wondering...'is this the last Christmas? or is this the last Thanksgiving? or is this the last time I will ever see them?' I thank God that I had spent time with them, even though I wish in retrospect that I had spent even more time with them than I did. Certainly, you would say the same thing about all of your loved ones, including family, your grandparents, children, other extended family and friends. And, even though we don't realize it at the time they are all modelling values and behaviors, which also become part of our DNA.

Making Time for others...

Of course, quality time looks different to each one of us, depending upon what stage of life we are in and what role or interaction are we a part of...are we the parent?, grandparent?, child?, teenager?, dating?, married?, etc. That said...quality, could mean having great fun, getting below the surface in meaningful conversation, re-connecting with our other loved-one. In all cases, it is only possible by our setting aside time for that other person.

Life's blessings...

Sometimes our schedules are so hectic, we loose track of the reality that our earthly life is a one-way trip and the things we are doing right now are making memories, both good and bad, for all others around us. You could even say we are "Role Models" in terms of those around us. We have all heard the term "You are being watched"...which is most apparent when it comes to our immediate family, but it is also true even with others, who are only observing us from a distance and perhaps being influenced by what they observe in our behavior, even from a distance. At the risk of stating the obvious, you could say your actions are louder than your words. Even though God wants us to speak the truth in love, He also wants our actions to reflect His love.

Sometime back in the 1980's I was working with a younger person in Ohio, who through unfortunate circumstances out of his control needed some money, which he was unable to payback due to his limited salary. My wife and I felt a real burden for him and wanted to help without making him feel beholden. I told him not to worry about payback and just consider it a temporary loan, with the idea that someday he could "pay it forward" to others similarly. Over the years, we lost track of each other due to our move in 1987 back to Michigan.

Here is the good news! The other day, about 32 years later, I got a wonderful heart-warming message from this man, who is probably in his mid-fifties today. He updated me on his career and said I want you to know I have paid it forward to several people in my life that God has had cross my path and needed a little help. He went on to say, thanks for being such a great influence in my life. I will never forget the love and generosity you showed me and my family in our time of need. God bless you and your family.
What can I say? This man has blessed me in such a way...words fail! Lesson learned for all of us as we go forward each day trying to be obedient to our Lord's leading...