So on Saturday my dad and I had the opportunity to spend the day with my grandfather (my dad’s dad), who turns 81 this week. 81 and still going strong (stronger than me most of the time). The Collins patriarch. And I realized that at that moment I was sitting in the room with two of my biggest heroes. Two of the strongest, most stable, most passionate Christ-followers I have ever seen. Not rich. Not powerful. Not flashy. Not fancy. Just remarkably consistent. And across the room sat my beautiful wife, who happened to have in-tow the next generation of Collins. Talk about perspective. Man. Those two men have handed me a legacy unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Not just consistency, but consistency with passion. When’s the last time you heard THOSE two words used together? At one point I asked my grandfather to tell me what good stuff was going on in his life, and he replied very matter of factly, “Jesus. He’s so good to me.” And then I got up off the floor.
And suddenly I realized the necessity to be a strong link in the chain. It’s not just me that this affects, it’s everyone. Because 80 years of a Godly legacy can go up in smoke if I drop the ball. Noah will be here soon. And he’ll be a Collins. And it’s up to me to SHOW him what that means. And if I don’t, I could ruin this legacy. No pressure. Just carry on a tradition that many would love to have but most will never see.
And I hope and pray and want and wish that one day, 50 years from now, he’ll bring his son and soon-to-be grandson to my house. And maybe we’ll talk about God and gardening. And maybe they’ll walk out saying, “He’s a man of God.” And maybe, no matter what else I accomplish, in that moment I will be a success…
timm…..don’t expect that you’d remember me, but me and your cousin kristy have been best friends since high school. i vacationed with aunt joyce and uncle ed one summer on the beach! anyway, i just want to tell you how encouraged i am to read what God is doing in your life. He clearly has His hand on you and your family! keep walking His trail…
in Him
tanya tiger
hey there! funny that you remember. i actually dated your brother for awhile! we live near seattle….four years ago the Lord called our family to help out with a new church plant out here, and it’s been the adventure of a lifetime. blessings to you….