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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Fame (05/10/12)
When I was a young boy, I used to dream of being famous when I grew up. I wanted to be a movie star, or a major league baseball player, or maybe even President of the United States. Everywhere I went people would know me and want to be in my presence. I would be treated like royalty and have all the creature comforts I could dream of.
Well, as I grew older and wiser, I began to realize that being recognized everywhere wasn’t “in the cards” for me. Oh, I did well in college, spent an interesting period of life in the Army traveling around the world, and then I was even fortunate enough to have a successful private business career. And I was blessed with two wonderful children and now have five beautiful granddaughters.
And you know what else? As I matured I began to realize that being famous has absolutely nothing to do with what is important. For as a God-fearing adult, the only things that count are my God, my family, my friends, and my reputation and good works. When I leave this earth I want to be remembered for being a good and fair man who followed the requirements of his Maker.
God puts each of us here with a worldly purpose. I didn’t always know what my real purpose was. Through the process of growth and maturity, I now realize that believing in Jesus Christ and trying to live my life as He wants is of paramount importance.
Finding the answer required me to open myself to His love and guidance. For you see, He has always been nearby. All I had to do was open my heart and soul to Him. He was always ready to enter my life; all I had to do was ask for His help.
So now, as I near retirement, I look at my grown children and loving wife and realize that the only real purpose for our being here is to love Jesus Christ and our fellow man and live our lives demonstrating that love.
Oh, it’s not always easy and it takes lots of work. But it is very satisfying and puts me at peace with myself as I prepare for the joy of the everlasting life to come.
And guess what? I will leave this earth knowing that I tried to be my very best as a Christian father, husband, friend, and citizen. My shortcomings were forgiven and the Lord has accepted me despite my shortcomings. Being famous couldn’t come close to this conclusion of my earthly life.
What a wonder that realization is. And I owe it all to Him.
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This article has been read 805 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Vicki J. Cypcar
05/17/12
Nice job - if everybody realized what is truly important...what a wonderful world this would be.


-Vicki
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/17/12
This is a beautiful testimony. It gave me goosebumps. You did a great job of sharing your innermost thoughts with us and I know that can be scary. It's funny how age changes our perspective on things.
C D Swanson 
05/18/12
Oh I really loved this heart warming personal inventory of one's purpose in life.

It resonated truth, and a deep sense of love for the Lord.

Well written and so honest it made me smile, and did my heart good. Thank you.

God Bless~
Phyllis Inniss 
05/21/12
Many of us want to be famous when we are young, but not many of us mature into the realization that fame does not always bring happiness. Fortunately, you found your happiness in Jesus and gained the knowledge that being a good person is more important than fame.
Terry Lee
05/22/12
Amen! I connected strongly with this piece, not only as it relates to myself, but as it reminded me of this dear, sweet old lady that lived next door.

Many family members spoke at her funeral. My jaw fell to the floor, and stayed there the entire time. She was a Basketball High School champion, but quit playing when she got married. This woman dedicated her life to Jesus and family. This unassuming lady, just a sweet neighbor -- I thought -- was a mega servant of Jesus. She poured out her heart and soul to her eight children and seventeen grandchildren, and always hosted visitors, strange or not, at her humble home. And I never realized it, because she was so humble.

Thank you, for the reminder.
Genia Gilbert
05/22/12
This article is from the heart and goes to the heart of life. I really enjoyed reading it. I thank God that he gives us such clearness of vision and peace. Good writing.