It probably comes as no surprise that I love Star Wars. I remember sitting front row center for the debut of the first movie in 1977 when I was 8-years old. My jaw fell open when the first Star Destroyer flew over head and I don't think it closed until the credits were rolling.
While the imagery and imagination drew me in, I think it's the tale of Luke Skywalker, that spoke to me on a deeper level. Here's a young guy who had no idea who his father was at first, but then discovers as he matures that he had this incredible legacy that far exceeded anything he could have imagined.
I grew up not knowing my real father either, hence relating to Luke. Well, I just found out I have another commonality with the young Jedi Knight.
For the past several years I've felt led to pastoring in some form or another. I don't know why, but I've really felt a tug on my heart. It came as no real surprise to me that my spiritual gifts align with pastoring either.
Then, a few weeks ago I started emailed with my earthly Father. He's been out of my life for almost 40 years now, but we did speak on the phone once a few years ago. After hearing God's whispers, I emailed him and we started dialoguing.
Well, as it turns out, he attended Seminary a long time ago and has been deeply involved with his church for years now, leading small groups, ministering to men and filling in as a teaching pastor when a need arises.
He emailed me last night and informed me that our family has a litany of preachers and pastors. Including the women, there have been five or six in the last two generations.
No one on my mother's side has much to do with the Church, except my Aunt, who used to go to one of those Fire & Brimstone churches, which was a major turn off to me as a child. So, I always wondered where the call to pastor came from, aside from the obvious answer: Jesus.
So, just like Luke Skywalker, I now know of a legacy I'm called to fulfill, and how my ancestors did so as well.
Granted, I don't think I get to play with a real light saber, but doing God's work is more rewarding than slicing up AT-ATs anyway.
Just more evidence of God's perfect plan and design! It's these amazing little glimpses into that plan that I remember and call upon in times when I really don't understand the greater picture.
ReplyDeleteEven though we on earth don't always understand (or even realize) that what's going is indeed part of that plan, it will all come together one day and we'll stand in awe.
It's so cool when we get to see little pieces of it like this, though! :-)
I love that God has blessed me with a wife who's so inspiring. =)
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