Devotionals

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"I Put My Hand to The Plow..."

A poem and story honoring Dr. Joe Gettys

Recently, I crossed the path of Dr. Joe Gettys, who a theologian, author, and extraordinary individual...I had known of him in my past; however, I did not know him well...Many years have passed, and I saw him as I mentioned...At the time I saw him, I mentioned that I had known of him in my past...He was very gracious and kind in the conversation...I asked him how old he was, and he told me that he is now 101...He still drives and is very independent...

It so happens that I wrote a poem about him and took it to him...The title of the poem is "I Put My Hand to The Plow"...When I started to read one of his books which he gave to me Remembering 100 Years of Change,I became aware of his upbringing on a farm...When I took him a signed copy of the poem, he told me about his life...I was amazed to say the least...

Today, I had the golden opportunity to speak to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Ware Shoals Junior High School in Ware Shoals, S.C.

I had the blessing of being able to tell about Dr. Gettys and to speak of "A Life Lived Well" as this is how I see him...

I think it is important that young people learn about productive people who continue to serve even into their later years...For me, just to spend time in his presence and to hear him speak of diverse things blessed me more than I can say...He continues to pray for and share with the residents of the home where he now resides, and anyone who knows him will tell you how awesome he truly is...


I Put My Hand to the Plow

The Story of A Servant’s Heart

With loving thoughts



At ninety-eight

I put my hand to the plow --

I brushed the earth with ease --

I put my hand to the plow

As with my every effort

God I worked to please…


I put my hand to the plow

And prepared the land for harvest --

I put my hand to the plow

And surrendered my human efforts

As I was mightily blessed…


I put my hand to the plow

And prepared a place

For the seeds to grow --

I put my hand to the plow

For God promised His harvest

And by faith this I too know…


I put my hand to the plow --

I knew the harvest would come --

I put my hand to the plow

And watched the harvest

Multiply with sprinkling rain

And tender rays of the sun…


I know my earthly years

Tell the world that I may be old

But in my spirit I am still young

And live each day with expectancy

As I follow His precepts

And watch my life unfold…


I put my hand to the plow --

I waited for the fruit of the harvest

He tenderly prepared --

I put my hand to the plow

And forever I will tell how much

God for me and everyone

Lovingly and deeply cared…


I know it is by His grace

That I put my hand to the plow

And it too is by His grace

That I enjoyed yesterday

And even enjoy the now…©


By

Juanita Pittman-Brown

September 26, 2008

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