$100 for a Home Run

Shortly after moving to Lawrenceburg, TN, I met Odus Campbell. Odus introduced himself to me in the foyer of the church building. He told me that I could easily remember his name because it was the same as the guy from the Andy Griffith Show. Odus was a kind man with a good singing voice. He loved to worship God and he loved his family. Odus passed away a few years ago but his legacy and life continues.

When his grandsons, Frank and Bobby, were playing baseball, I remember Odus made them a proposition. He told them if they hit a home run over the fence that he would give them each $100. Well, Bobby hit a home run - $100. Then Frank hit a home run - $100. Not long after Bobby's first home run, he hit another home run. So he wanted to know if he was going to get another $100! I believe Odus replied that the limit was $100 per person. But no one could blame Bobby for trying!

It is important for us to support our children and grandchildren. The legacy that Odus and Willodean, and Terry and Beth have left for their children and grandchildren is love and support. To love and support our kids should be the easiest thing for us to do. To offer them rewards for a job well done adds incentive to their work and helps them to progress and do their very best. As I consider Frank's graduation, and the others who will graduate this year, I think of the support these kids have received from important and influential people. I also believe that their continual success will depend much upon constant support and love from the people in their lives who matter the most.

God has portrayed Himself to us as a loving Father. He is a God who wants to reward us for a job well done. He is a God who believes in us, is patient with us, and who is rooting for us. He is a God that will never leave or forsake us. He is a God who will always offer us a home and shelter from the difficulties and challenges of life.

What I wish today, is that Odus could see how well his grandsons are doing. His influence reached far beyond the field of play. His deepest desire was to spend eternity with his family. His greatest legacy to his family has been his Christian life. Since his passing, Frank and Bobby have become Christians. They are good boys, who I am proud to say are members of the Pulaski St. congregation.

We have a great group of young people. They are still learning and growing. They are not going to be perfect. But they need our support and love. As they are being rewarded this time of year for what they have accomplished, let's remember that there is a heavenly reward that we want to see them realize. Let's do everything we can to help make it happen. God did.

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" ~ Matthew 7:11