Did you recognize them when they happened as a turning point in your life?
At the time, an event can seem positive. Like a promotion or closing the deal on a new home.
A moment can also seem negative. Like the passing of a parent or being laid off work.
Pastor, A.R. Bernard said that a defining moment is a moment in time that defines something; A persons success or achievement, a talent is expressed. A defining moment is a point when the essential nature or character of someone is defined or exposed.
Defining moments also give us a sense of destiny. Our steps are ordered.
We are not a leaves tossed in the wind.
A defining moment reveals the center of our personal stories.
Our lives are an unfolding story. How we define moments is rooted in what or who ultimately defines our lives.
And so this weekend, July 16-17, 2016 I look back on a bitter sweet moment (or maybe it was sweet first, then bitter) that happened 15 years ago.
Monday, July 16th, 2001 our first child, Jeremiah, was born. Labor and delivery was tough on my wife, Aviance. But there was joy.
At the same time, my 80 year old Dad, Epifanio, was in a coma. It was a tough season for everyone.
I believe that my Pop’s spirit heard the news of Jeremiah’s birth that Monday evening and rejoiced. Next day, Tuesday, July 17th, early in the morning, my Dad passed away.
I had become a father. And I lost my father. It was a trial for the entire family.
For me, I couldn’t see it at the time, but it was a rite of passage.
That Tuesday, like today, was a beautiful summer day. Clear sky. Warm weather.
Someone said that a boy really doesn’t become a man until his father dies.
15 years ago, Jeremiah was born on a Monday and my Pop, Dad, left for his celestial home on Tuesday.
Back then, and even today, I had to make a choice.
How would I define that moment?
I chose to believe that nothing escapes God’s sovereign hands. I trusted those hands of God because in them were nail prints.
God began to "Father me" in a new way.
Overwhelmed by those two days I was now open, because I was broken, to more of my Heavenly Father’s purpose.
The Father would now teach, comfort, and strengthen me through his Word and Spirit in a new way.
Defining a moment does not mean you know "why" something happened.
But for, it means, I know "how" to respond and "where" I am going.
From that moment, my Father in heaven has shown me how to pour my life out for my wife and children.
My Heavenly Father has taught me to be a good steward of my time and relationships.
There is no time to waste. Not time to ever lose focus on his purposes for my life.
And the Father has taught me that the past is a reservoir of lessons. The past is a reference point for the present and fuel, not a lid, for the future.
Yesterday we had a great birthday celebration for Jeremiah. He deserves nothing less. So grateful for everyone who celebrated with us.
And today is Sunday. The first day of a new week. The day my Lord, Christ Jesus, rose from the dead.
Death will not have the final word. My father’s fragrance is with me and I carry on his legacy. One day I will see Epifanio again.
But its Sunday. And my Heavenly Father is just getting started defining my life.
What are your defining moments?
I encourage you to define those moments, see the story of your life, through the God whose nail pierced hands steer the course of our lives.
