June 20: An 80-Year-Old’s Long View

An 80-year-old man was planting a peach tree when his neighbor asked him, “Do you expect to eat peaches from that tree?”

The elderly gentleman rested on his spade and answered, “No.  At my age I probably won’t.  But all my life I’ve enjoyed peaches—never from a tree I planted myself.  I wouldn’t have had peaches if other men hadn’t done what I’m doing now.  I’m just trying to pay back the other fellows who planted trees for me.”

Those who take a “what’s in it for me” attitude short-change themselves and everyone else too.  It’s far better to recognize that mankind forms a single family, with God as its Father.

We all need to work where and when we can in order to forge the strong bonds of loving service that will knit this family together in grateful praise of its maker.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from…the Father of light.  (James 1:17) 

Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to positively impact future generations.