How Did I Get Where I Am?

How Did I Get Where I Am?

So how does one become a left hand man? It’s complicated, and simple. It’s complicated because there is a tremendous series of meetings and events that must all come tougher in the right place at the right time. As one looks at the past, it is a dynamic web of intersecting, interacting paths. It’s simple because God is a master craftsman in shaping lives with no waste, and with ultimate efficiency. If God’s life plan is followed, the follower always ends up eventually right were God wanted them. He even accounts for stupid mistakes, stubbornness, and bad choices on the part of the humans involved.

            The complicated for me started with my own personality and upbringing. I have always had a desire to “find out”. As soon as a toy would break, I would take it apart to see how it worked. (My mother claims I took apart some things before they broke; (I officially do not recall any of these events) I loved learning. I’ve kept a myriad of creatures these many years from butterflies to reptiles. I was always devouring science and nature books. My favorite television programs were Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, Jacques Cousteau’s Underwater World, and National Geographic (anything). I still drive my children crazy by watching multiple episodes of “How It’s Made” on Saturday afternoons.

            My mother made sure we were “well rounded”. We took tennis and swimming lessons. She made us read books and take piano lessons. I even learned to play the violin. She sang to us, read to us and made sure we could also do both.

My Father was in the service oriented job of television repair. I learned from an early age to produce a good product and please the customer as much as possible. In my eyes, my dad could fix anything. He worked hard and with these extra fixing skills provided a good life for his wife and five children. We didn’t have all the newest things, but we had what we needed. Most of all, he was a true example of a Godly man.

My path has taken me through many jobs. I started with fast food and Hospital kitchens. In college I majored in Bible and Secondary Education. My minors were Science and Bible. Many at the time thought these were “odd” combinations, but they have turned out to be exactly what I needed.  I was also on the school maintenance crew and quickly moved into the title of “miscellaneous”, filling in for other jobs and fixing a variety of things. I also worked for two companies doing punch press and spot welding. I travelled for the college on a Gospel team for two summers. While teaching I have set tile, done industrial electrical, and helped in construction. My father in law has taught me to be an “above average” automobile mechanic. I have sold sodas at football games and even coached jr. high track.

I believe I learned the idea of being a servant not only from my father, but also from my college training. Service with a good attitude and heart was a core principle. It has never failed me in any of my life adventures. I have not always liked all of my circumstances as they happened, but they have lead and shaped me into what God has planned for me all along. Of this fact I am very sure. As I look back to my past adventures, I can see many of the intricate weaves that God has accomplished to bring glory to Himself, random meetings that turned out to be divine appointments; shattered dreams that became new avenues for success. And after all, isn’t that what it’s all really about, glorifying Him?