Living Legacy

"The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band"  -- Dan Fogelberg

One year ago today, my father passed away. It is a day filled with sadness for  his passing, thanksgiving for his life and assurance of the promise of resurrection in Christ.

I often have songs running through my head as I go about my daily tasks. The song "Leader of the Band" by Dan Fogelberg has been my internal soundtrack for the past week. The chorus is copied above. If you would like to listen to the rest of the song, just click on this link: Leader of the Band.

My dad was a kind and gentle man. People were fond of him from the moment he met them. A small town grocery store owner who enjoyed the daily conversations across the meat counter with friends and other residents of the town. 

Dad was dedicated to family and to his church. In fact, he was a founding member of Faith Lutheran Church in Durand and literally helped build that church, working days at the grocery store and evenings pounding nails and helping to raise the walls of this new house of faith. Our family income didn't allow for a large financial commitment to the building project, so my parents did what they could - when they could. This commitment last well beyond the building project as they both served on the church council, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served as the building custodians. 

My parents answered a call from God to help build a church - a house of worship and prayer. A place where faith would grow for generations to come. Their legacy is rooted in a love for God and family - a legacy that they have passed on to their children.

Before my dad died, I would joke with him about where the "Petersen Family Fortune" was buried. He told me that it was out in the yard somewhere and I should start digging - now! While there was no financial fortune to be found, my parents left me so much more than cash.

While Lori and I don't have a fortune to give to the building project at English, we will give what we can. Like my parents, we hear the call of God to build a home for faith that will serve many generations to come. 

I am so very grateful for all that my parents have passed on to me. 

I miss the "Leader of the Band" today and pray that the way I live my life is a worthy legacy to him.

Shalom,

Pastor Paul