As a High School JROTC student in Hanau American High School in the late 1970's, I would frequently bid adieu
to my Senior Army Instructor, CW4 Donald M. Lesch with a hearty, “Take it easy,
Mr. Lesch!” He would invariably respond
with a pause, upward glance, and a smirk I now recognize as wisdom while
saying, “I’ll take it like it comes!”
That wisdom came from surviving as a combat infantryman in multiple
campaigns of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and always caused me to stop and consider what he had said and why he had said it.
As I reflect on the year 2017, Mr. Lesch’s wisdom is more
profound than ever. 2017 has been filled
with a variety of happenings that were both anticipated and unforeseen that
helped me to understand more completely how every person must prepare
themselves to encounter a very broad spectrum of happenings, ranging from the highly desirable
to the least desirable human experiences.
2017 has brought the jarring news of the unexpected deaths
of several dear friends. It also marked
the expected yet nonetheless painful earthly departure of my personal lifetime
hero and ultimate icon, my father, Command Sergeant Major Sam Jackson. In his passing, I saw more urgency in living my
own life well and leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion and goodness that
hopefully will outlive me in the hearts of those who know me and can be passed
on when I am long forgotten as an individual.
2017 caused me to face more unexpected challenges as a recurring
pain in my hip ended up being a sign of major deterioration and signaled the
need for corrective surgery and an unplanned period of physical limitation and
self-reflection. Taking life as it comes
has involved these challenges and the opportunities for experiencing humanity
in the fullest as a husband, father, pastor, and friend. I have rejoiced with those who have rejoiced and overcome in life’s major challenges. I have mourned with those who mourn when death
has interrupted life uninvited and tragedy has numbed the most stout-hearted
souls. Life has come in a vast variety
of ways that has called me time and time again to rely on the God I serve to strengthen
me in my now more easily recognized weaknesses and to comfort me in the
mysteries that sometimes continue to confound me when it seems life just isn’t transpiring
the way I believe that it should.
I am thankful for Mr. Lesch’s wisdom and the seeds planted
to recognize that sometimes life doesn’t give one the option to “take it easy.”
But, if one is willing to take life as it comes – the good, bad and ugly – one can
persevere and emerge through even the most tumultuous times with joy of heart
and peace of mind. This truth is at the
heart of what the Apostle Paul meant when he penned the words, “I can do all
things through Christ Who strengthens me.”
This is not an athletic or business performance verse, but rather a
verse that anticipates that life will confront every human with experiences
that will both “bless” and “curse.” For
those who know the Hope that exists in Christ, there are resources of the soul
available to uplift, strengthen and encourage, even in the most trying times –
even at the point of death – to cause one to be “more than a conqueror” if one perseveres
and does not faint.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it...
With those thoughts in mind, I pray for a great 2018 for all
of you, my friends, but also pray for your continual encouragement and
perseverance knowing that greatness often emerges from trial, and sunshine is
seldom appreciated apart from stormy seasons.
May the Lord bless us all as we enter into another New Year with all the
challenges and potential that await us, taking life as it comes!
Your Brother,
Sam.
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