Summer time makes me think about vacations! And there was one vacation that I had that really stands out in my mind. When I was young, my best friend Kent Miller wouldn’t go on vacation one year unless I went with him. This must have been a little stressful for his family, but it was nothing but a blessing for me! Can Tommy Earl go on vacation with us? Do you think he would want to go? Are you kidding? Vacation? Would I want to go? No, I’ll think I’ll stay home and mow the yard. NOT! You bet! I’d love to go! Let me pack my bags!
My bags were packed, and we were on our way to Nashville, Tennessee! Mr. and Mrs. Miller, Weldon and JoAnn, were always fun to be around. They entertained me, and I entertained them. In all honesty, they would probably say that I was the one doing the entertaining. But they always made me laugh!
Out of all the things that I remember about that vacation, the one thing that stands out for me is that we got up early on Sunday morning and went to church. They asked me if it would be alright, and I told them that it was fine with me. I told them that I would love to go to church with them.
It was a great day! Honestly; I can’t tell you anything about that service, and come to think about it I can’t remember a whole lot about the vacation either, but what I do remember is that we all got up early on Sunday morning so that we could all go together and worship God. This memory has stuck with me after all these years. Before I even dreamed about being a pastor, God placed Weldon, JoAnn Miller, and family, good Christian people, into my life to shape me and mold me.
Why did this memory stand out so much for me? I believe it was all part of God’s plan for my life. In Jeremiah 29:11 we read: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Before I had any hint that God would one day call me to become a pastor, God was using my best friends stubbornness along with his parents love to carve a wonderful memory into my heart.
I praise God every day for my parents; Sammie Earl and Merl Burton. They raised me in the church, and gave me a wonderful childhood. I also praise God for Weldon and JoAnn Miller who also played a valuable role in my life. They along with my parents shaped me into the man I am today. So enjoy your vacation this summer! Have fun, be safe, take along a friend if you need too, and make some memories that will last a lifetime! God bless!
By Tommy Earl Burton
