| 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “”O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!””I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” |
How do we truly measure the worth of our lives?
Some may gauge it by the material possessions they accumulate, while others rely on their social standing and the groups they associate with.
But there is a more profound way to assess our lives, as we discover through the inspiring story of Gabe Sonnier.
Gabe, the principal of Port Barre Elementary School in Louisiana, is not only a towering figure but also radiates warmth with his infectious smile. However, if you were to inquire about his journey, he would guide you to where it all began – his humble beginnings in the field of education.
As you walk down the school hallway, Gabe halts in front of a door and carefully unlocks it. Stepping inside, he graciously invites you into his first office – a modest mop room that was once used by janitors. You see, when Gabe was a 39-year-old janitor in the very same school, the then-principal saw potential in him and encouraged him to pursue a career in teaching rather than merely picking up papers off the floor.
Driven by determination, Gabe enrolled in college, earned his teaching degree, and eventually obtained a master’s degree, propelling him to the role of principal. However, despite his newfound position, he never forgot his roots. Even today, he takes pride in cleaning his own office, a testament to his unwavering humility.
Gabe imparts a profound lesson to his students – one that resonates deeply within us all. He teaches them not to let their current circumstances define their future. It’s not about where you start; it’s about how you finish. This message holds immense power.
Consider the story of Jesus, born in a lowly stable. And what about Paul? If you delve into the first eight chapters of Acts, you’ll discover the initial image of a fervent and zealous Jewish rabbi, opposing those who followed Jesus. But that was just the beginning, not the end. In the final moments of his life, Paul proclaims, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”
For many, their knowledge of Acts extends beyond its opening chapters. They are acquainted with the transformation of a man who shared the message of a savior, even though he himself was once a sinner. It serves as a reminder that our beginnings do not dictate our ultimate destination.
So, remember that it is not where we currently stand that truly matters. It is where we ultimately find ourselves that holds the utmost significance.
Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
