What am I praying for now that will have an impact 100 years from now? That question was posed during a recent tour of the Leadership Studio at Muskoka Woods. Having worked there for 17 years, I knew the story of Mrs. Lawrason, but had never made it personal.
The example Mrs. Lawrason set is worth examining. She long ago owned the property that Muskoka Woods is now on. Back in the 1800’s she prayed that God would use her property for His glory. That prayer was certainly answered when the property became Glen Rocks Bible Conference and then Muskoka Woods. Thousands of families, kids and youth have heard the gospel message on that property. And MANY responded by believing and giving their lives to Jesus.
So, what am I normally praying for? Well, the usual; health, healing, spiritual renewal, salvation for family and friends, stamina to keep going, for blessing for people I know and love.
Is that enough? What about legacy? What about the future? I believe that praying for my grandkids is part of that. They will outlive me by many years. They are a very big part of my legacy.
Another part of my legacy is the lives of campers and staff and partners who I worked with at Muskoka Woods, Muskoka Bible Centre and Camp Widjiitiwin. They will carry on when I no longer can.
Invest in the millennium. Plant sequoias. Say that your main crop is the forest that you did not plant, that you will not live to harvest. Wendell Berry
The impact of showing the way to so many staff, campers, co-workers and partners over the 42 years I worked at camps. I have lost count of the number of staff and campers, not to mention retreat groups and leaders that I have been able to influence in some way.
I don’t think that I will see or know the results this side of heaven. I have had the privilege of seeing glimpses into the journey of other people I influenced who have gone on to influence others. And I believe that those others have gone on to influence more and so on. For so much of my life I have been building future leaders and building for eternity in the Kingdom of God.
So, what are YOU praying for that will come to being long after you are gone?