Legacy

One of the things in enjoy most about retirement is being able to do the things I want to do WHEN I want to do them. For example, the lawn could have been cut today but I wanted to visit friends and work on the tiny house. My schedule if flexible, even though my body is not.

A few days ago, for example, I got to watch part of the memorial service for John McCain. If I would have been working I would have missed it. I heard a speech by Grant Woods, one of McCain's Arizona friends. Contained within his words was an amazing story.

Senator John McCain was a prisoner of war during Vietnam. His plane had been shot down over Hanoi. He was captured and tortured as the North Vietnamese tried to get information. At one point he was left tied tightly in a chair after a grueling interrogation. His captors were going to leave him in that chair until morning - tightly tied and in pain.

At 10:00PM another guard came in. More torture? No. The guard loosed McCain's restraints and then left. He returned early in the morning and tightened them up again. "Why?" McCain wondered?

Several weeks later, as McCain was standing in the prison yard, the guard who had loosened his restraints walked over next to McCain. With his sandal he made the sign of the cross in the dirt. They both looked at it for a while and then the guard erased it.

Jesus tells us that we are to love our enemies. The Vietnamese guard was an exceptional example of that command. McCain's guard literally complying with the wishes of Jesus. Wow! May I be so graceful to someone I don't like.

It there an "enemy" in your life? Someone you don't get along with? Show them some grace and watch what happens. You may become as surprised as John McCain was in Vietnam. It may literally save your life.

This story begs the question of OUR legacy? How will others look at us when WE die? Grant Woods remembered that story about John McCain. He remembered not only is friends faith but the faith of an enemy. We should leave THAT kind of legacy.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

Legacy - Nichole Nordeman
Grant Woods Tribute To John McCain