Childhood Impressions
It was one of those phone calls that was a “blast from the past,” and it gave me a rare look into the future. It has been 29 years since I last saw him. He was a youth of 14 back then. Our paths had never crossed since I ministered to him and his family. Our opening minutes were spent just catching up on our lives since we were last together.
“Byron, it’s good to hear from you. What’s on your mind, brother? Why did you call?”
“I just needed to hear your voice again,” he said, choking back tears. “I always felt that I could talk with you, that you would listen. I’ve never forgotten you. You were always happy and always had a smile.” He then proceeded to tell me what has gone on in his life. He has gone through more sadness and grief than I have over those same 29 years, and he wanted to share that with me.
Satan has thrown a “ton” of discouragement at him, and he has quit assembling for worship, and he has quit praying. “Dan, I’ve done things I’m not proud of, and my conscience would speak to me. You won’t believe this, but it was your voice that I heard.”
I was humbled, as well as awestruck that I had left such an impression on him! Whether he knew it or not, he reminded me of my profound responsibility to always behave and be God’s child. The world—and especially little eyes—are watching my example, and they won’t forget it.
Byron’s call reminded me to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that [my] labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Cor. 15:58) What we do for God has lasting, eternal effects in the lives of others! At the time, we are unaware of it! We wonder if our life made a difference. Often, we have no idea.
Each of us makes future memories from our present-tense impressions. A child’s mind, like clay, will “harden” over time and retain the childhood impression you put there. Sometimes, the adult will call you to thank you.
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