Circles of Life and Living

Sitting here on the precipice of a job interview for a job that requires no degree, and pays accordingly, with tasks that seem to the world as menial and below my qualifications, I find myself contemplating the interesting circles of life and living that have touched my heart. If I land the job, I will be walking in the footsteps of one who was once a young man's mentor, Larry Killion. Larry and his lovely wife Francine were my youth pastors in my pre-adult days and I found myself attending his funeral about a year ago.

The purpose; the circle of life once again touched mine, but in a way that connects life, it's meaning and purpose, in ways that one without a connection to God, would miss. For at Larry's funeral, the pastor shared with the many Lowe's employees who attended, that 'they'd been duped'. For the reason why so many (over 20 Lowe's employees) attended his memorial was to discover the reason that compelled them to receive the grace of this man...his love for Jesus and the care sent their way caused by Larry's relationship with His savior.

It was a powerful testimony of a great man, doing his best to honor God with all his heart no matter where his Master would choose to send him. And God sent a musically talented, incredibly humorous, multi-credentialed and wise man to be an appliance salesman at Lowe's. God allowed Larry to be His voice into that store, with his customers, providing for Larry and Francine's needs along the way. And now, as I prepare for an interview at Lowe's, in similar stead, I am humbled and honored to have been connected with a man whose life served and continues to serve as an inspiration to me.

I have applied to Taylor Guitars, as a facilities maintenance guy, only to get a 'thank you' note in reply. And now, Lowe's has a facilities service job and is interested in my credentials. I have applied to numerous jobs all across the nation with no success. The job I am applying for is part-time and, at this point, I feel compelled to press forward here. It makes no sense, it surely isn't what the world or it's people normally would choose. But just like Larry, when we march to the drum beat of a powerful God, nothing, no job, no call is below us.

I know that my 'humility' badge could use some polishing. A man with many talents often needs a course correction throughout his life and I continually am in need of such. Pride, personal pride, can derail a train faster than a truck crossing and stopping in it's tracks. As I look to my savior, Jesus, He is God himself, and He gave up staying 'comfortably' in heaven to limit Himself to a body, trapped in time, admired and worshiped by some, but beaten and abused by most. What god would choose to do such a thing? And for what purpose?...So that we could see first hand the amazing grace and love of a real God who really wants us to understand that on the day of our birth, an eternal life began; one that will find it's final destiny with Him or hopelessly lost in torture.

When I think of God, living as the pure and complete example of humility, I am humbled. My life is no where near this pride exempt example; yet I long to be such and it seems He is leading me there.

Should I get the job, I will be the best facilities services guy on the planet. I will engage customers with the hopeful, friendly heart He has given me. As I watch, most of the employees there (and I shop there many times a week these days), it strikes me that frequently as they walk around the store, they lack joy and zeal as if distracted and 'unappreciative' of their job. I can't imagine Larry ever being such, nor can I imagine myself being such either.

So, in the circle of life and living, my heart is now connected to one who showed me the way, Larry Killion, as well as the one who shows us His way, Jesus Christ. I will be eternally thankful for Larry in my life, then as well as now, living as a part of my heart, still investing in me. But the wonderful part of this all, is that he pointed to and always will do so, to the one who brought ultimate meaning to his life, Jesus Christ.

I'll see you soon, Larry, and maybe then we will have some great stories to share about the power of God being unleashed through some ministering saints at Lowe's.