Retirement

[Bailey Knives]

My father had his retirement party today. He has been my father and pastor for over 40 years. I have lived under his influence and he has shaped my life to love God first and family second. His teaching has taught me how important it is to love your wife, and kids. I try every day to live up to his example, and I seem to fall short at every turn. He has been married to the same person for 44 years and continues to demonstrate his love for her at every opportunity. I try to follow his example, but it is a tough example to follow. Every time I think I have it down, he raises the bar and demonstrates his love for Mom and God in a new and different way. I have thanked God for his example in my life which has kept me from pretty big trouble in the past. Next Sunday is his last sermon, and I am grateful for the influence he has had on me and my kids. A lot of people came up to the stage today (at his retirement party) to tell of the influence he has had on their lives. It was amazing to see, old and young testifying that my father was the difference between their life of hopelessness and a relationship with the Father.

I hope that I will be able to follow in his footsteps, although it is a pretty difficult path to follow.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

It sounds like you are already are.

He set a high bar, and a good example of how to keep trying to reach it. You have been very blessed to have had such an example.

 

[William Schrade]

My father was the most moral and ethical man I ever knew. However, as a very young boy I realized I could never live up to his example. The realization of my depravity led to despair and hopelessness, until someone shared the Gospel with me 40 years ago. I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams because God is faithful and gave me new life.

Thanks for the testimony.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Matthew, thanks for sharing this post. I also attest to the fact that God had completely changed my life back in 1989. It was from a loving, caring Pastor that sounds exactly like yours. He may be retiring but I'm sure he will carry on influencing people and changing lives.
Blessings,
Bruce

 

[WA Martin]

Godly examples are worth far more than anyone knows. So glad your father has been there for you as mine has for me. Pass on my congratulations to your father for me, please.

 

[Marko3]

You are very lucky to have a person (dad or not) that inspires you in such a way . Sounds like a great man.