Bridging the Gap

Introduction
I was just an ordinary teenager. I was in no way an over achieving Christian, but I did believe. I was in no way associated with preparation for church work. I was just an uptight college kid looking for a new direction. I had no intention of being a messenger of God
Then one spring day in 1971 I was on a day outing to an area amusement park with my two best friends. We were all in college and while we had varied backgrounds and varied interests, we enjoyed being with each other. The events of the next twenty-four hours would change and define my life forever.
It was an unexplained automobile accident that occurred on a curvy Ozark mountain highway. The impact caused the car to burst into flames and plunged me into a clouded existence that included a walk through the valley of the shadow of death and I emerged on the threshold of eternal life. While eternity surrounded me and filled me with an absolute certainty of heaven, I walked away. I walked away because I was disappointed with my earthly service. I was assured that I was accepted unconditionally into the eternal kingdom, but I could see a future with an opportunity to achieve fulfillment.
Following a miraculous recovery, and a lot of guidance from my parents and a loving relationship with my soon to be wife, I completed my college training in three years and continued on my journey as an elementary school teacher. It wasn’t long until my “gift” was shared. That was the beginning of a 30 year career in education that offered numerous opportunities to share God’s gift.. During my teaching years I was blessed by the marriage to my wife, Vicki and the birth of my two daughters, Rebecca and Sarah.
It was also during these early years that I had a role in my local church. I served in many capacities but I was most proud of the eleven years I served as youth minister. During those years I spent a lot of time working and ministering to young people of all ages. Using my position I presented my story in the context of the church. It was well received by the youth. Following a change in church leadership and the calling of a new priest I was asked to resign my position without a reason or cause. This was a very disturbing time, but prayer allowed me to set this aside. I continued my work quietly in the schools.
Other challenges occurred along the way but my first faith shaking experience occurred when my mother died suddenly in an automobile accident. I had spent the last ten years helping others through this kind of tragedy but now I experienced the need for that kind of assistance.
The depth of grief was doubled by the fact that my father was driving the car, blamed himself, and was consumed with guilt. In the twinkle of an eye I was losing the foundation of my family. It became clear now that it was part of God’s plan that I set aside my church duties. I needed to allow myself time to grieve.
This event strengthened my spiritual foundation. With God’s help I survived this bump in the road and continued on my journey with an even greater persistence and conviction. After my mom’s passing I knew I was placed on earth for a special reason.
I completed my career in public education in 2002. This was a difficult year for the nation with the destruction of the World Trade Center and I weathered some personal difficulties that year. My wife and I both retired from teaching in the public schools. We felt the need for a new direction.
The following years were full of changes. My oldest daughter Rebecca was zeroing in on her teaching degree, engaged and married. My youngest, Sarah was taking her first teaching position and it wasn’t long until my first grandson Calvin arrived. A short time later God blessed me with the birth of my second grandson Wilson. There is nothing more spiritual than grandchildren.
For me the next year was a struggle to find an existence. I enjoyed the role of “pappy”, the name the grand-boys selected for me, but I missed the fulfillment of a ministry. I did some work substituting but that was different. I was working with different kids each day. Not enough time to “make a difference.”
The Sunday after Easter in April of 2003 I sat in a church pew listening to the priest talk about changes in our lives, and finding God’s purpose for our lives. This was troubling because I thought I knew what I was to do for God. That day I knelt and prayed that God would change my life and help me define his goals for me.
Later that evening, after attending a Mexico mission trip meeting I returned home to find most of my house destroyed by a killer tornado that struck our community. A new chapter in my spiritual journey of growth and service was opening.
Since that day in May 2003, my Christian journey has taken me to Mexico on two mission trips. I weathered several, potential high anxiety health crisis involving my brain, my heart, and my vision. After each scare I thanked the Lord and I knew that more of my journey lay ahead.
I was employed as a teacher in a Regional Catholic High School for six years. I celebrated the opportunity to again serve young people. I also ventured into the realm of adult ministry. I have launched a blog that chronicles the presence of God in my daily life.
The story that follows connects the dots. It “Bridges the Gaps” of my life and more importantly “Bridges the Gap” between our earthly existence and our spiritual destination.