An Intentional Journey

My grandpa and I were buddies. That is the simplest and best way to describe it. Whenever we could be together, we were. If there was a moment to find a Dr. Pepper, we would. If there was a Dairy Queen, it had to be a Dilly-bar. I remember those moments with joy and fondness. His life journey was a season that I will never forget, for he shared his journey intentionally. Many of those intentional moments came during times where we would work together on grandpa’s 1949 Studebaker. That car was his tinker toy. It was also a vehicle for sharing the joys and values of life. Often when working on that car together, I remember he would share those values of patience; looking at life with the long view of endurance; attention to detail; and being sensitive to what and who was around you, along with many other values. He would explain, listen and reassure with the reassurance only a godly grandfather can give.

I can remember the times we would enjoy watching and interacting with grandpa’s pet cardinal, Peepers. Grandpa rescued this little cardinal when he was just a baby with no mama and raised him. He was a delight to watch and listen to and observe. I can remember grandpa sharing wonderful things of nature with me because of that bird. I count it as a treasure the times grandpa would share with me some of the tragedies of life. Those sobering moments of what it was like to be an Adventist serving his country in World War II. Those anxious moments as a medic on D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, watching lives being snuffed out one by one yet clinging to Jesus. Listening to the lessons learned from that conflict.

I think back and reminisce about the times he would share about Jesus, making Him seem so wonderful that I couldn’t wait to hear more about Him and accept Jesus as my Savior. Oh what joy when grandpa baptized me as a young man! I learned that Jesus was the constant focus of the journey for my grandpa. He loved Jesus. He lived his life for Jesus. He walked with Jesus. What a powerful example!

I share these few things as a gentle reminder. Your life and mine are to be journeyed for a purpose. That purpose is to be building blocks for others, either to begin their own journey or to encourage someone on their journey.

While you are enjoying the holidays this season, I commend to you the example of my grandpa. May you walk, live and love in such a way that someone will want to walk with Jesus. “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24 (NLT).

By Richard C. Dye, Sr. President