August 1, 2004
Milestones!
My husband came home with Cub tickets for Sunday’s game – a perk from the store. And as it would happen, that game will be Greg Mattux’s opportunity to achieve a great baseball milestone – winning his 300th major league win. Only a few other pitchers in the history of baseball have achieved that accomplishment.
Making the appropriate plans to attend that game got me to thinking about milestones … their significance to me, ones I’ve achieved in my life and ones that I am still striving to reach.
I believe milestones are important to God, for the Word is full of His recounting the many milestones throughout the life of Israel. Starting with the call of Abraham; the birth of Isaac; the journey into Egypt; the crossing of the Red Sea; the 40 years in the desert; the taking of the Promise Land; reigns of King David and Solomon; the captivity of Israel and return to the Land; the coming of the Messiah; his life, death and resurrection; the pouring out of the Holy Spirit; and the establishment of the Church. These events are told over and over again throughout the Word. God loves reminding us and I think also Himself, about the milestones that mark the lives of His people. Should we consider them any less important in our lives?
That got me to thinking about my milestones and quickly assembled this list:
My salvation at age 7
Meeting, playing with as children, seeing come to salvation, loving and marrying Den
The birth of each of our sons
Each church we have served
Establishing Salt Creek Bible Church
Prayer time 2 weeks with our church people for my healing
A short, brief list, but each event a milestone, a crossroads, a benchmark for me. What does you list look like?
As Greg Maddux anticipates the possibility of achieving a major professional milestone on August 1, 2004, what milestones am I still anticipating? Well, several. First, for the complete realization of the healing God accomplished in my life two weeks ago; to hold my first grandchild in my arms; to see Salt Creek grow and become a vibrant influence for Christ in our community; and to go to Glory with grace and joy when God calls me home.
Achievable? Every one. How do I know? If Abraham could believe he would father a people more numerous than the stars because God had promised it, I have faith to believe God will complete my healing and we will see Him grow our church to levels beyond our imaginations. Will you join me in praying in see these milestone reached – and soon! Let me hear from you.
Until next time … love and prayers,
RuthAnn Gleason, the Parson's Wife
ragleason@sbcglobal.net
