Originally written in June 2011. Modified on May 20, 2014.
On Friday June 10th 2011, (our son); Jordan, graduated from High School. As the ceremony progressed, I went through a range of emotions. I thought of my Dad, who I know was watching Jordan (down from Heaven) sing with the High School Choir, then watch him walk across the stage as his name was called. I thought about his first day at kindergarten, first grade, his first school crush, picking him up from Tae-Kwon-Do class and breaking his first board, playing Upward Basketball, getting his Learner’s Permit, getting his first job and that day, he received his diploma.
Where did the time go?
I remembering watching each student as their name was called. I watched the entire Senior class sit as speeches were read. I wondered how many would become doctors or lawyers, how many would marry too early, how many would achieve the goals and how many would still be HERE in 10 years.
Back in 2012, Lexie (our daughter) moved to El Paso, TX to be near her boyfriend; Reeves. In fact, her birthday is TODAY. She’s 23. That doesn’t seem possible. I remember when she used to sing in the Youth Praise Band at church, got her first job, got her Learner’s Permit and began Nursing School. She has grown to be a caring, independent and incredible woman.
Yvonne and I have talked with all of our children about how important it is to be careful about decisions that they make. Those decisions (good or bad) will follow them all of their life and will not only affect them, but the lives of others that will come behind them.
Not long ago, I read a book called “The Butterfly Effect.” This book is written by Andy Andrews. The United States Military asked Mr. Andrews to write a book to help with soldier’s self esteem and to show them that THEIR LIVES really matter.
The Butterfly Effect happens when on one side of the world, a butterfly flaps his wings, which moves molecules of air, which moves more molecules of air, and eventually so many molecules of air are moved that a hurricane could happen on the other side of the world.
The book gives great examples of people’s decisions that YEARS later have saved lives and even how one man’s courage during the Civil War. “The Battle Of Little Round Top” is mentioned in the book. The Leader of the Company is told to “Hold Your Position or the enemy will flank us and we could lose this battle.” There was NO retreat, no surrender. His courage and determination helped win the battle THAT DAY, but ultimately helped The United States over 100 years later.
Every step I take today will affect my children tomorrow.
Here is an interesting “Butterfly Effect” that is NOT in the book.
Henry was born in 1914. His father died when he was very young. His mother remarried and he became part of a blended family. He grew to be a hard worker, was loved and respected in his little town, yet Henry was an alcoholic. He could barely read. He married a young girl and in 1950, they had their first child; a little girl.
His step brother invited Henry countless times to attend church with him and his wife. After several months of saying “No”, Henry finally said “Yes.” He attended church one Sunday, then another and one Sunday morning, Henry accepted Christ. He went home that day and poured out all of his alcohol. His wife said “It will never last.”-She was wrong.
Henry began to read God’s Word and eventually helped lead his family to Christ. His wife, his children, his grandchildren.. See, Henry was my Grandpa…Virgil Henry Woods.
Through his step brother inviting him to church and him accepting Christ, his little girl (My Mom) I came to accept Christ as my Savior..
His “Butterfly Effect”- affected me.
For me, I pray that my “Effect” is pointing my children (and people I come in contact with) to Christ. I don’t always get it right. I want them to know that when I do fail, I get back up again and learn from my mistakes and move on. I pray that our children discover that through their uniqueness that God created each of them as an individual and He has a plan for their life. Only through Him, can they discover that plan.
The ultimate “Butterfly Effect” was when Christ came to Earth to become sin, His ministry, His life, His death and His resurrection to conquer death, hell and the grave, gives US the ability to have fellowship with God.
What “Butterfly Effect” are you having in someone’s life?
I gave that book (“The Butterfly Effect”) to Jordan for a graduation gift in 2011.
I recommend that you go to your local Christian bookstore and purchase this book. It’s an easy read and after you read it, hand it to a graduate or another young person and begin to pray for them every day.
Then pray that God will use your “effect” to point others to Christ.
Acts 20:24 “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
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