Torch Bearer

Recently we ran into an old aquaintence that we hadn't seen in some years at a very large function. He was extremely delighted to see us and spent the next few moments bringing us up to date on his children. His face just glowed with pride as he spoke of his 19 year old daughter. She is studying full time at university, has become quite committted to training and running in marathons, but most recently was baptized. His biggest delight was sharing how she had the opportunity to be one of the 2010 Olympic Torch runners/bearers in Toronto. To my great astonishement he shared with amazing memory and details of how, when they were still new to Canada and eagerly desiring to learn and master Canadian winter sport activities like skating, I had spent a great deal of time with their daughter then five, helping her skate. He remembered how much fun we were having together giggling, laughing, and falling because we were laughing so much. He then began to profusely thank me for the times I had spent building into her young life, truly believing that it was those few minutes spent each time encouraging and being a positive example to her that has helped to shape her into a radiant, sold out, passionate young Christian woman. I was extremely humbled by his words and affirmatoin to me. It was a moment of profound humility as I was reminded that being a true torch bearer very seldom if ever takes place in the lime light and very often requires just a very simple act of love.