Dear Rose Park,
On Monday morning I had coffee with an old friend at Good Earth on 7th St.; it’s my go-to place for a good bagel and a cup of coffee. If you haven’t been there, let me know, I’d love to treat you sometime. I’ve known this friend of mine for almost twenty years. We were first introduced when I was in high school. Music kept us in touch when I went to Hope College, and he even came to see me perform in a jazz concert. We fell out of touch during seminary and while I lived in Iowa, but ever since coming back to Holland we’ve reconnected. You might know him, his name is Mr. Kerry Daab.
Mr. Daab, or Kerry as I feel more comfortable calling him now, was not only the director of the Vocal Dimensions at Holland High School but he is also a strong and professing Christian. I was a member of the Vocals for two years in high school (and before you even ask, the answer is yes; my mother still has the DVD’s of our performances and I’ve already made Sam watch them). I sang tenor and even though I couldn’t read music, Mr. Daab took me under his wing, taught me how to dance, and gave me the confidence to perform on stage. However, his impact on me, and many other students, was far greater than lyrics, notes, keys, or steps. Through an encouraging word, his joyful spirit, and the faithfulness of his presence Mr. Daab was showing all of his students the love of Jesus. If you were to ask him, he might modestly say, “I was simply doing the job I loved,” but whether he knew it or not, Mr. Daab was being a disciple who made more disciples for Christ.
This is all to say, our impact on others is far more significant than we even realize. This impact of course has a dual-nature; it can build others up and it unfortunately can tear others down. Through our relationships we have the opportunity to strengthen one another through the fruits of the Spirit, so I say this humbly and yet boldly, let us be careful as to how we conduct ourselves so we might be a disciple who makes more disciples for the Kingdom. Let us be seeking wisdom so that we might listen carefully, speak gently, and love unconditionally. Let us model a life worthy of imitation for those around us and for those who come after us.
When we decide to follow Christ we are also deciding to conduct ourselves by a different set of standards than the world. Christ models this through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we conduct ourselves in a contrary manner, not only do we deny the path of Christ for ourselves but we also advertise to others a path that is absent of Christ, so again let us be careful as to how we conduct ourselves to our neighbors, our children, and community members.
I trust there’s been a person who has made a great impact on your life; perhaps it’s a coach, a grandparent, a teacher or friend. If you do, make sure you tell them. Call them on the phone or write to them and give them the gift of your thankfulness. I also hope that we can be that person for someone else. I hope and pray our words and actions might positively impact someone for the Kingdom of God because when we do, I know we’ll be drawn closer to each other as we’re drawn closer to Him.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark