This Sunday, it’ll be my privilege to introduce Jack Daniels to you. (Okay, in a nod to all the jokes forming in your mind, I’ll be introducing the man – not the drink). A few months ago, when the session said it would be a good idea to arrange a series on church officers, they suggested that someone other than me teach on the office of pastor. That seemed like a good idea to me, too. And that led me to call Jack. Patty’s emailed his credentials already and I am looking forward to hearing him speak.
I remember meeting Jack about 30 years ago through my Young Life leader, Ed Bonner. Jack was a college student at Flagler and a close friend of Ed’s Jack would drive down to my home town of Leesburg to help Ed get the Young Life Club up and running. Some of you may have heard me mention Ed. He played a significant role in my faith journey. We’ve stayed in touch off an on over the years. When I came to Geneva, Ed told me that if I ever needed some help, I should give Jack a call.
Well, when I called Jack, he actually didn’t remember me. But I remembered something Jack showed me all those years ago. I was serving on a work crew for a week at Camp Southwind. One morning, I got up early and saw Jack sitting on the stairs reading. I went over to visit with him and he politely asked if we could talk later. He told me he was trying to spend some time with God. I thought it was strange but I gave him space. Up to that point in my life, I don’t think I’d ever witnessed a young adult making a priority of spending time alone with God. That casual witness stuck with me. Within a few years, I had adopted that same practice. Few habits have impacted my life so much as the one he encouraged by example.
A few weeks ago, I shared that memory with Jack. Naturally, he didn’t remember that moment. But I love that. It encourages me to know that little acts of faithfulness have far more impact than we realize. It reminds me of one of the great truths of God… That He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) And that faithfulness with little things makes a big difference. (Luke 16:10)
Hope to see you in worship.
