If you ever watched the TV show "The A-Team" back in the 1980s, you're familiar with that line, a line often spoken by George Peppard's character Hannibal Smith. On Saturday, I thought a lot about that line.
Several weeks ago, one of our Life Group teachers announced his retirement from teaching. Max had been teaching Sunday School for 57 years, more than thirty of those years at First Baptist Spartanburg. From the time Max told us he was going to give up his teaching position, our Life Group began planning a surprise for him. We had already scheduled our annual picnic at Croft State Park, so that seemed the perfect opportunity.
Plans were set in motion. Funds were collected. Notes were written. Gifts were purchased. All this unknown to Max and his wife Becky. And on Saturday, it all came together. We gathered at the State Park for food and fellowship and for the big surprise. We were almost the ones who were surprised when it turned out that Max and Becky were running late!
Our plan came together. Max and Becky arrived. Between lunch and dessert, we presented the gifts. It was a precious time! I love it when a plan comes together.
Max and Becky were two of the first people we met when we first began attending First Baptist Spartanburg. On the first morning we visited their class, Max welcomed us by saying, "We're so glad you're here. We've been praying you would come."
With a greeting like that, why would we visit any other class? We settled into that group, where we have made many wonderful friends. That all began with Max and Becky, who welcomed us not only into their class but into their lives. Isn't that really what a Life Group should do? I love it when a plan comes together.
We feel so blessed to have sat under Max's teaching and to have his influence in our lives. So blessed to call Max and Becky our friends. So thankful they aren't going anywhere, but are still a part of our Life Group. And I feel so blessed and thankful that a couple of years ago, Max gave me the opportunity to have a part in teaching the class. It's a privilege and a responsibility I cherish and take very seriously.
Saturday was such a fun day. Such a precious time of honoring two special friends whose lives have influenced so many. Two friends whose lives shine for Jesus. Just as He intended. I love it when a plan comes together.
"Let your lives shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 ESV)
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