As I type this out
on Thanksgiving Day, 2013, there are so many things in life for which
I am thankful.
Like most, I am
thankful for my family, for my health and for the many material
blessings I have. The older I get, the more I reflect on those simple
things every day I live.
This year, a couple
of people gave me some unexpected blessings that have truly changed
my outlook on life. I am not sure the persons even realized it when
they made me sit back, think, and then act on what they said.
I have no idea if
Clay Perkins and Duane Allen have ever crossed paths, but I am
eternally grateful they intersected with my journey through life in
2013.
Clay Perkins is the
president of my alma mater, Mid-Atlantic Christian University. When I
graduated over 30 years ago, it was known as Roanoke Bible College
and, admittedly, I have been out of the loop when it comes to the
school's affairs over that time.
Mr. Perkins and I
talked at length this summer when we were both attending the North
American Christian Convention in Louisville. I had met him before and
had somewhat stayed in contact through Facebook, but to say that we
know each other well would be a stretch.
What he did know
about me was that I had been in the located ministry for about 20
years and that I sometimes beat myself up for not being in the pulpit
every Sunday now. He encouraged me to remember God's grace.
I try to do that
every day, but it is easier said than done.
At the college's
alumni reception that week, I took some photos and sent them to Mr.
Perkins, along with one my wife snapped of Clay and me together. A few
days later, that same photo turned up on Facebook with the simple
caption, “One of our graduates who is serving as a sports writer.”
I felt like someone
turned a light on.
For years, I had
tried to make sure my writings had reflected my faith. When someone
had given a quote with what I considered inappropriate language, I
had always omitted that or simply summarized the thought without a
quote. I tried to refrain from the personally destructive comments
that seem to sell so well in the media today.
But “serving as a
sports writer?” That opened my eyes that we can really make a
difference in nearly any profession.
Not long after Mr.
Perkins wrote that, I talked about some moral issues in published
columns. A reader e-mailed me commenting on the “boldness” I had
used in those writings.
Then, in early
September, fear of legal action by the ACLU prompted a decision by
the Anderson County Board of Education that resulted in the football
coach not publicly praying with his team.
I was not happy
with the decision, but was glad I was in a position to give
Christians a voice in the local media.
Yes, it was
service. Thank you, Mr. Perkins, for reminding me.
In August, I had
the privilege to interview Duane Allen. If you listen to country or
gospel music, you know Duane. He's been the lead singer of The Oak
Ridge Boys since 1966. The group is one of the most beloved in
American music history with hits like “Elvira” and “American
Made.”
I had stumbled
across a local connection to Duane Allen's mega-successful career, so
I took a chance and requested an interview.
Mr. Allen
graciously consented and personally made sure everything was set up
to accommodate my hearing impairment, including a face-to-face
interview instead of over the phone or via e-mail.
He suggested we
meet a few hours before the Oaks took the stage for what has been an
annual show at the Kentucky State Fair for nearly 40 years.
He even set it up
for my wife to sit in on the interview. It was a lesson in giving of
one's self.
We were expecting
15 minutes. He gave us 45.
And Duane Allen
gave us more than his time. When he recounted the incredible story of
how he ended up with The Oaks, he punctuated it saying, “I have
always had faith. This was just another example of how God
works in my life and directing every step I take. I never had any
doubts about God being in my life. It is just another example.”
When I asked about
going from gospel music to country, he noted, "Everything we do is
dedicated to God. I don't pick out certain things and dedicate
them to God. I dedicate every country song, Every song that has
crossed over to rock-and-roll. Thank you Elvira. It helped me pay
bills and make people happy.”
And later in the
interview, Duane told me, “I didn't find God in country music. I
just found He was already there. I want him in my life. I don't put
conditions on where he goes.”
It sounds so simple
and basic, yet it is something many of us, including me, struggle
with on a daily basis. If you are a Christian, you are a Christian
24-7, no matter where you are. We can't just compartmentalize our
relationship with God. Whether we are preachers, academicians,
entertainers, factory works, writers or anything else, God is there.
Our relationship
should be, too.
It is something I
have known in my head for many years. I believe I finally understood
it in my heart this summer.
And for that, I am
thankful for crossing paths with Clay Perkins and Duane Allen.
