The Power of Family

I've been thinking a lot about "family" this week.

A few days before John Wooden died, another hero was ushered into eternity.  My uncle, Harry Bascom, had finished a long day of construction work at a Christian camp and was just "cleaning up" when the Lord abbreviated his earthly shower with one of celestial cleansing.

Uncle Harry had been a missionary in Venezuela early in his life after serving our Country in World War II and then completing his higher education for Christian service at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (where he was one of the proverbial to "go in single and come out a pair," falling in love with like-hearted Alma Classen).  Coming home from South America, Uncle Harry shifted to serving the Lord in pastoral leadership.  Then there were years in chaplaincy ministry and service as a probation officer (I'll just bet his "clients" got more than the usual from this "PO"!).  He later went back to school for an MFC in order to ultimately travel the country and circle the globe with his bride, encouraging those who were weary of missionary duty and whose marriages might be showing the strain of duty.

Retirement?  Not a word in my uncle's vocabulary.  He was 87 when he died on June 2.  And for more than 15 years, he'd been volunteering his expertise (both spiritual and physical) to extend his life legacy--not with that in view but simply because he truly believed what he often quoted:  The joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).  His welcoming grip was evidence of that.  My uncle was living proof of what the "ministry of enthusiasm" means to those standing close.

How gracious of God to allow Uncle Harry to labor in the vineyard right up to this life's last breath.  He "kept at it" right up to the moment he was ushered into eternity.  And, honestly, I'm hoping one of the first faces to greet him was Jon's, recalling the day (just about five years ago to the date) that my uncle and aunt and cousins gathered, singing hymns and anticipating my husband's soon-to-be eternal graduation himself.

It is a time to be very grateful for what one man's life can mean to a family.  Not just to spouse and children.  I stand as a grateful niece--and there are a host of extended Bascom clan relatives who are saying the same.  But it goes so far beyond that.  It's global.  Simply because this man spent his life loving God and serving His children.  Talk about faithful example.

I am grateful for another man who is doing the same.  Thanks for helping to share Dr. Dobson's encouragement with your listeners on "Family Talk" each day. 

Showered with blessings -- Peggy Campbell

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