Graphic socks are a prominent feature of the Myers family style. Myself, my wife, my daughter, and my son all love to rock exciting socks. We are probably one of the very few families in which getting socks for Christmas or a birthday is a highlight rather than a disappointment. Between the four of us, we have quite the eclectic collection.
There is one design that I find especially amusing. Rather than being one pair of socks, however, there are two. My son and I each have one set and they have correlating designs. On my pair of socks, there is a graphic of some tools and over the top, in large letters, it reads, “THE ORIGINAL.” My son’s pair of socks has the same graphic as my own, but the wording is different. On his socks, in large letters, it reads, “THE UPGRADE.” My wife, who purchased them for us, thinks it’s hilarious. My son believes it is the undeniable truth. There is a small part of me that initially took it a little bit personally, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more I think it is appropriate and even ideal. I hope and pray that my son, and my daughter for that matter, inherit all of the best of their mother and me, but I also hope that they become improvements on the originals. This hope extends beyond my biological children, though.
In recent weeks, I have been reminded of the responsibility and blessing found in helping those that come behind us go beyond us. Early in my career as a youth pastor, I helped a middle school student named Kyle Huffman get started playing guitar. I helped him learn the holy trinity of chords: G, C, and D. He recently released a new album that is amazing called, Pop Punk’s Not Dead. I know that punk rock isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it is mine. I’ve had the album on repeat non-stop for days. Everything about the album is amazing to me. The lyrics are humorous, deep, reflective, and God-honoring. As I’ve listened, I realized that every facet of the album is beyond my abilities, from the guitar playing to the lyrical content. I don’t mean to take any credit for what my guy has done. But, it is cool to think that I was able to play a small part on his journey and that he has done more and gone further than I could have. He is an upgrade.
I believe one of our greatest callings in life is to pour the substance of our souls out for the glory of God and the good of those He came to save.
God, in His grace, has brought other former students whom God is using in amazing ways to mind as I’ve listened to Kyle’s masterpiece. Several, including Kyle, are doing amazing work in youth ministry, working to point teenagers to Jesus in diverse and creative ways. A few others are leading worship and writing soul-stirring worship songs that are engaging and encouraging in ways, beyond anything I’ve written. Another is pursuing a PhD in biblical languages at Harvard. I now text him to ask difficult questions about the Bible. I am now learning from them. It is now they that are pointing me to Jesus and encouraging me on my journey. In some ways, I may have been the original, but these brothers and sisters of mine are amazing upgrades. I am so proud of each of them and humbled and honored to have played even the smallest part in their development into the amazing people they are today.
I believe one of our greatest callings in life is to pour the substance of our souls out for the glory of God and the good of those He came to save. Our lives, to a great degree, are best lived when they are invested in those who cross our paths and journey with us as we go. I believe it is an honor and a privilege, but I also believe it is a responsibility bestowed upon each of us to varying degrees. 1 Corinthians 11:1 reads, “Follow my example as I follow Christ.” The goal isn’t for them to become like “me;” the goal is always for them to become better, to become like Jesus.
perhaps in some small way, we can serve as a step upon which the next generation can climb just a little bit higher and get just a little bit closer to the example set by our Lord and Savior.
We should absolutely aspire to be the best people we can be. We should work to develop our talents and abilities to the fullest. We should aspire to achieve great things through our efforts. But, the ultimate goal is not just to be the best version of “me” we can be. The goal is to become more like Jesus and to draw and propel others down the path along with us. We won’t attain perfection this side of Heaven, nor will any who come after us. But, perhaps in some small way, we can serve as a step upon which the next generation can climb just a little bit higher and get just a little bit closer to the example set by our Lord and Savior.
