Moments
By Jim Killebrew

[February 15, 2024]  Life moves at a steady pace. But as we live, and breath, we have our moments that briefly bring a smile, a bit of happiness, a burst of joy, all leaving a feeling of exuberance, a raised heartbeat, an exhaled breath that sends a message to our brain and full body, that says, “All is well at this very minute.”

I've had my share of those moments just in the past couple of years. Two grandsons graduated from high school, and of course, as their names were called, they walked across the stage, were handed their diploma, shook hands with the Superintendent, providing that “moment” with their smile and recognition of an accomplishment that took them twelve years to achieve.

At that very graduation one June day, with over 800 students graduating in a coliseum that seated 10,000 on-lookers, family and friends, all dressed in their cap and gown: all except one young man. During the entry march into the coliseum, with graduates coming in from two sides, meeting to walk as a pair to their seats, one young man was decked out in a full, Class-A Marine uniform, with white Marine hat tucked under his arm, and the crowd went wild. Applause for a young man who had decided to stand up, serve his country, and proudly wear the uniform that called a distinction to his choice. As a veteran, I had a “moment.”

While visiting with family for the graduation, a day or two later was Father’s Day. So, visiting the city where three of my sons live, with one preaching in the Church where he serves as the Lead Pastor, having a family meal afterwards, a moment came in the backyard at my youngest son’s house.

As all of us were sitting around in a circle on his patio in his back yard, talking, reminiscing, laughing, telling stories, remembering childhood days. A proud Grandpa took it in and had a moment just watching the kids (all adults now) and grandkids.

One of the grandkids said to another grandkid across the circle, “Common, let’s go play now.” A four-wheeler waited for their attention and fun. The one who was beckoned to “come play” ignored the call to leave the circle and go play. Another request to “come play.” Then another; but this time with an answer, “No, I just want to sit here and listen to the stories.”

Perhaps that went unnoticed by some of the adults there, but for me it was a “moment.” My young grandson, who is maturing, in a middle school grade, at that moment thought it much more important to listen to his parents, grandpa, aunts and uncles, sharing their stories experienced through their years of growing up, than to leave the circle and go play on a four-wheeler. At that moment I experienced the actual formation of maturity in him.

Thank you, God, for those very special moments we are afforded as we trek through this life you have given us.

Jim Killebrew
Lincoln