Sage Thoughts #85 A Touchdown for President Kennedy

"No one will stop me! I am going to make a touchdown for my president," I yelled as I heard the devastating news. It was during third grade recess when Matt Shipley and some other kids came running out to the field screaming, " President Kennedy has been shot! The president is dead!" I plowed through much bigger kids with all my strength as I crossed the end zone, tears streaming down my face. "That touchdown was for you, my President."
Forty-eight years ago? It was just yesterday. Certain memories are on paved roads.
That summer I had trouble sleeping. You would have too if you knew you were getting Mr. Williams for a fourth grade teacher. He had actually been a drill sargent in the marines, and he lived up to his reputation. A number of yardsticks were broken on the backs of unruly boys. Once during a showing of one of those 16 millimeter films about the imports and exports of Costa Rica, I was whispering to Gary Wilmeth, when I saw Mr. William's shadow on the wall with his arm raised up. He was right behind me, and of course he had his yardstick ready to strike. I held my breath, and braced for impact as it came crashing down on the shoulders of the boy in front of me. Boy was he surprised. Boy was I relieved! Yes, that really happened. It was pretty common back then. And yes, Mr. Williams was, and always will be my favorite teacher.
I figured this might be a bad idea, but I didn't expect it to be my last. When Chris heard that I was going to a captain of one of our high school gym-class baseball teams, he begged me to pick him. I knew what it was like to be picked last, standing there, shuffling my feet as all the "good" players had long since been picked. Once they realized I was an athlete, I always went during the early rounds. But not Chris. Unfortunately he played just like he looked. Chris had a 250 Yamaha Enduro, so I said,"If you let me borrow your motorcycle for a few hours I will pick you first." I had never ridden a motorcycle, and while going fifty miles an hour on one of Oak View's hair pin turns, I learned that just turning the handlebars isn't enough to make the motorcycle turn. It didn't really matter that there was a cliff, because the on coming traffic would have killed me long before I got that far. At the last second I instinctively leaned, or else my guardian angel pulled me. Either way, I won't soon forget it.
I get to fix one of my memories that has bothered me over the years. While in college, I had the worst, most boring history teacher ever. It was a night class, and if you missed one class, your grade dropped one letter. I had all A's, and I didn't want him to mess that up, so I attended each class, writing to my son Donnie and telling him about life, and about how boring this class was. Donnie was still a few months from seeing daylight, but I knew he and Brenda were sitting at home together, waiting for my return. My whole life I have wanted to hear Judy Collins in person. My friend Ed, (Hey, Ed, Do you remember this?) and I would sing the chorus of "Both Sides Now". "I've looked at love from both sides now, from here and there and still somehow, it's love's illusion I recall. I really don't know love at all." She was singing in Ventura, but I chose to go to my history class instead of the concert. Next Sunday Judy Collins will be in Nashville, and although neither Brenda or any other of my old friends can make it, I have my ticket in hand.
Last Sunday, I was asked to give my testimony to the church. And as memories go, this is one of those on the top of the list. Thirty-six years ago, I was a leader on Hillhouse, an offshore oilfield platform, and a new guy came on board that week. His name was Thelise Popalapalos. This was a really old guy, I think he was in his late thirties. He was hired to clean the toilets, swab the decks, and do any other lowly job that was needed. I remember thinking how important I was, and what a pathetic loser this guy was. I also remember thinking that I was in such pain that life was not worth living. Before the end of the week, Thelise had led me to Jesus. When we were off work, he came to Oak View Baptist church to see me baptised. How did that happen in such a short time? It was clear when you really looked at Thelise. His spirit glowed with joy. And he was willing to be ridiculed for his faith. He didn't just read the Bible. He lived it. Thelise brought me the good news about Jesus. That's a memory I have shared ever since.

Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Acts14:21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,

Acts 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Are you making someone's most important memory? Share God's love with that person that God has made a heavenly appointment with. God will take care of the rest.