Found this photo in my memories on Facebook today. Paul and our granddaughter, Kaeli painting together eleven years ago. She seems very focused on what grandpa is doing. Paul was a great teacher of many things. He could tell the species of bird by the sound of its voice. He knew exactly where he was going in the woods, so it was natural for him to be a leader. His gifts and talents all came together in his career as an art director and entrepreneur, but later in life he took up the vocation of teacher. It was nothing new for him. He had those abilities built into him when God formed him before his birth.

A lifetime shouldn’t be measured by the wealth we accumulate, nor the fame we amass. What we accomplish on this earth will have no bearing on our future in heaven. God is the only One who can take credit for that. When we enter the heavenly realms and He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” God is referring to the work we did to bring the good news of His salvation to others.

My career path led me to teaching as well. I had no intention of following that road, but God saw something in me which would serve that purpose. I’d spent most of my “career” as a stay-at-home mom. When our children were starting high school, I saw a need for a drama department in their newly formed private school. I set out to establish one and volunteered for 13 years. It was more than any degree I could’ve accomplished in college. In the process I was sharing my love for performance. I also used my writing skills to pen plays and for my students to perform.

Isn’t it amazing how God weaves the pattern of our lives into a masterpiece of His choosing? Neither my husband nor I had planned on teaching, but God had different ideas.

Through Paul’s masterful gift of art, he reached a great audience. Every piece of wood he carved – every sketch he penciled – every brush stroke he painted – was coupled with a passion to teach others. Our grandchildren were exposed to art and theatre at an early age. They have not chosen to follow that path, but each of them has learned through the arts. They have also been introduced to the LORD, through their relationships with their families.

The month of June has been designated at “Children’s Awareness Month.” Grandparents have an obligation to teach their children and future generations what God has done for them. What a precious gift we can give them when we tell them all about Jesus.

“So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” Psalm 71:18 ESV