Illuminating the path of many lives

My daughter, Lilli, sat with an amazed look on her face as I spoke to her about the past. A discussion about hearing God’s calling in our lives and simply serving others turned into a moment of reminiscing with a purpose. As I described the fact that things don’t always follow our perceived, perfect path, I explained to the girls that many times our idea of what is right or the best option for us in fact is not where we end up.

As the girls did their best to follow along despite their overwhelming desire for the discussion to end, as becomes common with teenagers, I began sharing with them about how early in my adulthood, my desire to minister led me to becoming a youth pastor, a position I never saw myself filling. For me to lead a group of spoiled ruffians, all of whom really just needed to experience the time-honored switch across the back side, was the furthest thing from my idea of a good time. Leading youth was simply not my thing. I was the guy who sat in the back of the sanctuary gazing towards the youth group, tightly assembled, and fidgeting during services, seemingly disrupting everyone they could, and thought to myself how they all needed a heavy helping of discipline.

In the end, my desire to serve was emboldened by my time with the youth. The experience not only helped me mature as a man, it taught me about true compassion and faith, allowing me to gain a much-needed wisdom relating to service. As I told the girls my stories, Lilli turned and said, “Wow, you’ve lived a lot of different lives.”

The statement caused me to pause our discussion and consider how truly blessed I have been over my lifespan. Growing up the son of a truck-driver-turned-preacher and a do-it-all mom, my father taught me early that in diversifying one can find fulfillment and success. Dad instilled the fact that going through life, restricted to one path, refusing to consider other options towards success, truly held us back. In a way, I believe this concept stuck with me and throughout my adult life I have been blessed to hold numerous important positions.

To my children’s dismay, our conversation continued as I did my best to impart upon them the same wisdom my father had provided for me. Life it seems is truly a blank canvas, my friends. What could be better than sitting back when you have transitioned into the realm of “old person,” as the kids see you, and be able to think about the positions you have held, things you have done, and the impact you have had on the lives of others.

In the end, commit yourself to living a fulfilled life. One where the thought of the people you have impacted brings a smile to your face. For me, regardless of if I filled the roles of aircraft mechanic, military serviceman, cop, trainer, mayor, youth pastor, business owner, photographer, athlete, husband or father, this path called life has been illuminated only because I was willing to take a step forward and work hard along the way. For me, being a father is the ultimate reward and a sign of true diversification. Get to stepping. my friends, and maybe, just maybe you will be able one day to share boring stories about your life with your kids and chuckle as they are fascinated by your diversity.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from 12 to 33.