I Wonder Whatever Happened to Them
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Jill and I are watching a television series entitled 1883. Looking back in time, one of the characters asked as two friends left her, “I wonder what ever happened to them.” The television character’s question haunted me. I am not alone. The Bible leaves many unanswered queries, including the “whatever happened” question. In the book of Job, the three “friends,” Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, leave us without further explanation of what happened to them. They aren’t alone. God forgave Joseph’s brothers, but we do not know the rest of their story. Most Biblical characters help tell God’s story but then are forgotten.
There are so many people who touched our lives at different moments in time. It isn’t that the rest of their lives no longer matter to us. Yet, our lives and their lives converged for a time and then moved in different directions. That does not mean they were of lesser value. No, they were a divine gift in a moment in time when we needed them, and they benefitted from us. But we cannot walk the same trail throughout life with everyone we care about. Instead, we appreciate the gift each person is in the moment we have with them.
I need to look no further in my life than the churches I served and those who nurtured me. Just because I left the congregation in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, well over 30 years ago does not mean that I did not love, appreciate, and am forever grateful for their place in my life. I am the pastor I am today because of their nurture, forgiveness, and instruction. They took a 25-year-old and trusted me to serve them while learning on the job. Most of those I loved died or moved on since I was there, but they retain a place in my heart and mind. I will be forever grateful for their love and faithful instruction.
I am sure there are people in your life who motivated, inspired, and loved you. Do not feel guilty if you’ve lost track of them. Instead, honor them with your gratitude and memory. Today, take some time to reflect on different stages of your life and the people who blessed you. Each one is a gift from God. Then, humbly remember the people you inspired. Rather than igniting arrogance, you will feel humility, knowing that God’s Spirit used you to help others. In our relationships, we often feel the Holy Spirit the most. Like me, I hope your memories give you a good laugh, a good cry, and a great feeling of satisfaction. Then, conclude your reflections by thanking the God who gave each one as a gift.
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