The Quiet Ones

I can say that I have really, really missed being in Peru the last year and a half. But I can also say that there have been some huge blessings in the time that I have been in the US this time. One of the greatest of those blessings is the time I have been able to spend with my grandpa. I spent 7 months with him last year, and am now spending one more month with him before I head back to Peru in August.

Growing up, I remember spending every moment that I could with my grandma. I remember my grandpa being around and doing things with him, but many of those early memories have always been focused on my grandma. I loved to listen to her stories, and do things with her. I loved to do things with grandpa too, but he was working a lot while I was growing up.

Grandpa is one of the 'quiet ones'. It has really been since he retired, and even more so since grandma passed away, that I have paid more attention to the things he does have to say. Most often, he doesn't readily offer up his thoughts, but he will gladly share them if you ask. I think one of the most interesting things during this time has been to observe how much of his temperament and personality were passed on to my mom, and to me.

Walter Eugene Evans may not have ever gone to seminary, or had the label of a 'minister', but he has always been a minister and missionary in his daily work and life. I can't tell you how many times I have heard people talk about how he helped counsel those he worked with and went to church with. He traveled all over the United States and the world in his 30 years of active service with the US Air Force. And I would be willing to bet that every single person that remembers him can tell you how steadfastly he has shown the light of the Lord through his everyday living. He has always been one of the first people to help others in any way he is able. My grandma always talked about how people that he worked with would go to him with their problems and ask for his help.

I know that when he gets to heaven he will see that there were so many more people than he even realizes that he directly impacted for God's Kingdom. I truly pray that I can exhibit the same humble, wise, and servant-hearted way of life that he has shown all along.

Who are the 'quiet ones' in your life? Have you ever stopped to pay attention to how much they really have to offer?