May the Circle Be Unbroken
On Saturday May 22nd I attended Heritage Christian University’s graduation to honor one of my favorite students, Peyton Ezell as he finished his undergraduate Bible degree. Just on that alone it was an incredible day. I know Peyton’s love for the LORD because he wears it on his sleeve. I hope to one day grow up to be like Peyton and have his relationship with God. Peyton is fierce in his devotion to the Almighty. He challenges me and I love it.
Also during this event HCU was able to officially announce and celebrate Carl Seigenthaler with an honorary doctorate. Unfortunately due to Covid they were unable to accomplish this during the 2020 commencement. Even more difficult is that Brother Seigenthaler passed away prior to this year’s event. Amazingly he had preached at New Hope Church of Christ in Florence, Alabama for almost 50 years. He first took the job when my mom was young. So he had an impact on her relationship with God which in turn had a tremendous impact on my life. For several years when I was a young child we attended New Hope. The first “pew packers” class I can remember was directed by him. Every time I lead a silly song at camp, VBS, youth rally and conference his legacy is shared.
The 2021 honorary doctorate recipient was Cory Collins. He was also the keynote speaker for the event. Cory is a wonderful communicator and worthy of the honor. In his prepared comments he mentioned the quote by Robert Schuller “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.” It hit me hard that here I was sitting in an event where the truth of that quote was evident. Mainly because of God’s amazing faithfulness and then the diligence of people like Carl Seigenthaler in my life I was introduced not only to the LORD but I get to serve in his kingdom. Some of the fruit of that service are the students like Peyton who choose to do the same. It is an emotional thought to think of how little I have to offer the LORD and how he blesses it so much. It is events like the one at HCU that reminds me of the command given by Paul in 2 Timothy 2:2b “Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” Paul encourages Timothy to “Endure suffering” in verse 3. Although I have not suffered like many others in history or in other places in the world it is the fruit that can lighten the burden of the difficulties. To know that no matter how the world may try to stomp out the Spirit and Truth of God they will never be successful. Only God knows how many apples are in the seed.
Travis