As my father-in-law, George, approaches his remarkable 90th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the moments we’ve shared together. Since marrying his son, Steve, I’ve been blessed to spend time with George almost weekly. Our times together are a storytelling time, creating a
vibrant tapestry of narratives that draw from the richness of his life. Each thread holds lessons infused with faith and experience.
George captivates me with stories from his adventurous days in the US Navy, filled with joyous recollections of Pier 91 in Seattle and the historic moment Hawaii became the 50th state. He recounts the hard-earned lessons from his time working the fields of Bakersfield, California, and the daring escapade of hitchhiking across states in a C-130 from Idaho to Texas. Every tale reveals not just the thrill of adventure but also the profound strength and resilience that have shaped his life under God’s guiding hand.
Yet, what touches my heart the most are those tender moments when he gently asks, “Is he [my son] good to you?” This simple yet profoundly impactful question embodies his unwavering love and concern for my well-being, reminding me of the sacred bonds we are called to nurture and cherish within our families. For George, love is not just a feeling; it is an active commitment to safeguard and uplift those he holds dear.
In the Gospel of Luke 12:42-48 (NIV), Jesus poses a compelling question: “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?” This passage encourages us to reflect on our roles as faithful stewards—not merely of our resources but also of the relationships we cultivate in alignment with God’s will.
How do we manage our time, our talents, and our most sacred connections? Are we nurturing our relationships with the intentionality and Christ-like love they deserve? The metaphor of the faithful and wise manager beckons us to recognize the profound responsibilities we bear toward our loved ones, urging us to consider how our actions shape their lives and serve to glorify God.
George’s enduring legacy of love and faith inspires me to embrace the responsibility of nurturing the bonds that matter most. These relationships reflect Christ’s heart — filled with grace and compassion. Like the wise manager in Luke 12, I am called to act with purpose — understanding that I have been entrusted with the care of invaluable connections. I must uphold these relationships with integrity and love.
The depth of George’s heartfelt question will stay with me — not just today, but throughout my life, serving as a constant reminder to honor the love and trust so generously bestowed upon me. It ignites a passion within me to embody goodness in every interaction, fostering
relationships that exemplify the grace and mercy taught by Christ.
My prayer is that as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, we embrace the challenge of nurturing love and relationships in our lives. By doing so, we can create not only a legacy of faith but also an enduring impact on those around us.