A 12 yr Old Boy; Bermuda Shorts; and Gods Plan

As I think about my life I think about the people who played bit parts in making me who I am today, I think back to a time when I was in grade 4.  In grade 4 my school (White Rock Christian Academy) went to Portland, Oregon for a convention, a gathering, of Christian schools.  During this trip a young boy, a couple grades older than me, showed me the love of Jesus.  I was a loner, an underdog, the small kid in class; I was new to the school and had no friends yet my own age.  Those who know me can attest that I can still be quiet until you get to know me! This boy took me under his wing and said I could hang out with him and his friends. I thought this was so cool because he was a bit older than me! But I did not realize how God would use this week with my new friend to impact my faith life, even today.

My friend bought me a pair of shorts (yes Bermuda shorts) when mine got ripped; He bought me lunch, he taught me about Jesus’ sacrifice (amazing for a kid of maybe 12 years old) he taught me about praying, he taught me about singing praise to God.  His parents and relatives were in a Christian bluegrass band and he also was blessed with abundant talent as a musician and songwriter. Even though we drifted apart after this week in Portland, since he was a few grades higher and I made friends my own age, I have never forgotten about him, or how God used him to plant a seed in me.

I was just 9 or 10 years old, so I did not really quite get it – what it meant to be a Christian at that time.  My mom had taught me about Jesus and church, so I was “Christian” by default, but on that trip is where a seed was planted.  Eventually God in His grace saw fit to water the seed that was planted, prune the branches, and today we have the product of his grace and love and mercy in my life…and Lord willing, I am not done growing.

I went through many things since grade 4, when that boy was used by God.  I have since graduated, gotten married, had kids, lost my dad, had numerous jobs. I have been on fire for God, stumbled, backslidden, been a lukewarm Christian, I have been humbled and brought back by His mercy and grace, I have been on fire for Jesus and am now just settling into a wonderful state of contentment and joy in my Lord and saviour. I have seen a lot and we will see where God leads me from here.

While I lost contact with my friend, I do know that he he has a beautiful family and he is pursuing a career as a singer and songwriter in Nashville.  I doubt that he realizes the effect he had on that young boy he took under his wing for a week about 25 years ago.

Acts tells us:

For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

Everyone is used in the plan of God, whether they realize it or not. Even Pilate and Herod were used by God for his own will.  So do not regard yourself higher than you ought, He is ultimately in control.  The point of this post is not that some boy was a good Christian, it is to show you that God can use us no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time. Let us pray that God would use us for the up building of our brother’s and sisters and to His glory!

Here is a song my friend (yes the one who bought me Bermuda shorts) wrote and recorded for the Haiti disaster, entitled “Jesus Loves You.”  Enjoy.