Landmarks

Birthdays have a way of causing me to reminisce.
Saturday we went to eat to celebrate and while there I used the excuse of "going to see the eagles" to get everybody onto the campus of my Alma Mater (Berry College).  I took them all over the place and shared stories about what the buildings were and what I remembered and all that fun stuff.  My daughter was FASCINATED (which I ate with a spoon) about the buildings and stories and whatnot.  I also told her about the many wonderful friends I made while there. 
Of course my favorite spot is the little spot on the sidewalk between what is now the Cage and the Moon bldg.  One Saturday I was walking to graduation with this pretty redheaded girl and down that sidewalk, and I asked her to marry me.  Someday when I'm rich (because being a teacher and a preacher are the two professions that are sure to make one rich...), I'm going to buy a bench and have it dedicated there.  Until then, I'll just drive by and point!
Just like those landmarks mean something to me and I teach my children about them, there are some landmarks in my spiritual journey as well.  I drive by the church where I grew up and was saved and preached my first sermon and half my dead relatives are buried and share that with my family, because that's a landmark.
I am reminded of a Wednesday night when my Great-Aunt called me over after church and said "let me pray for you son," and I'm still blessed by that prayer over a decade ago.
I remember the day a youth pastor asked me "would you consider working with our youth?" And before long, God allowed me to be part of an amazing, Godly pastoral staff.
I remember the day one of the deacons from Smyrna called and said "would you consider..."  I remember the first time I got to baptize someone.  I remember the first time I presided over the Lord's Supper.
All these things have placed me where I am today.  I am grateful for the landmarks of my life, and the ones yet to come.
Looking back at landmarks is Biblical, you know.  Check out Joshua 4.