Today is a day that, in previous centuries, was set-aside to reflect upon a "saint" of our faith. This person could be one of our church fathers (Paul, Peter, John), a more recent church leader (Wesley, Spurgeon, Finney) or even a living influence in one's life. Today, I focus on my father - who, yes, is still very much alive and is still making a profound impact on my life. So, to honor dad, I'm posting a tribute I wrote about him for his retirement from the Assemblies of God World Missions. Enjoy...
RETIREMENT?
I Don’t Think So!
On January 19, 2007, Rev. Fred G. Chilton will officially retire from the Assemblies of God World Missions. There will be a reception where friends and co-workers will visit to express their warm wishes and leave a card in the basket. Firm handshakes, loving hugs and maybe even a kiss or two on the cheek.
Yes, you’ll walk away from the buildings at 1445 North Boonville Avenue, but retire? Hardly. The roles that have marked your life cannot be so easily abandoned for they define who you are. And will continue to shape your life and all who know you…
You NEVER retired from being a Son. You lovingly and sacrificially cared for your parents and in-laws until each of them stepped from this life into the next. Your tender concern for their needs was always a priority to you. You never showed them disrespect, and you modeled Biblical honor for your elders.
You will NEVER retire from being a Servant. You are a servant. You life has always been one that works behind the scenes to see that everything is done in the spirit of excellence. Your character will not allow you to do anything half-hearted and you have often remained in the shadows allowing others to take credit and enjoy the accolades of your accomplishments.
You will NEVER retire from being a Husband. There has never been a more loving and faithful spouse… EVER! The literal fiber of your life echoes Paul’s words to the church of Ephesus: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. I, personally, am constantly challenged and humbled by your example.
You will NEVER retire from being a Father. You’re my Dad. The older I get, the more I have learned to rely upon your wisdom, friendship, grace and love. You cheered us on as children through each phase of development. You fought for our faith, character and purity during our teenage years. You guided us through college years; you counseled and married each of us and you continue to bless us and our families through any means possible. You love our wives like your own daughters, becoming Dad to each of them. You revel in creating memories and experiences that far our last mere gifts.
You will NEVER retire from being a Grandfather. In my house you are “PAPA!” The twinkle in your blue eyes never seems brighter than when you’re holding, kissing or talking to one of your grandkids! You shower them with love, affection, gifts and laughter – they are always happy when they are with you. And that “papa-heart” doesn’t end with your flesh & blood but any child within the view of those sparkling eyes and mischievous smirk also experiences it.
You will NEVER retire from being a Friend. King Solomon said, “He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.” Yes, a pure heart and gracious speech are hallmarks of your friendship. All of those who call you friend are blessed. And no matter where you have lived, you have made yourself vulnerable in order to embrace others as friends. And still today there are those from each city you have served that remain committed to and desirous of continuing a friendship with you.
You will NEVER retire from being a Pastor. Simply defined as “a shepherd,” you will always have sheep entrusted and endeared to you. A church office, or cold wooden pulpit hardly defined your pastoral ministry. You loved, nurtured, encouraged, equipped, developed and discipled people throughout your life – losing the “Pastor Chilton” brass plate off of an office door has done little to nothing to change this. Your sermons continue to find their way into the hearts of others through your “Monday Morning Ministries”. You will always be MY pastor. And I’m so grateful to have first served as a pastor for you at Christ’s Church in Minneapolis. You share in each of my victories.
You will NEVER retire from being a Neighbor. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus admonishes us to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.” And when he was challenged about ‘who’ is our neighbor, Jesus went on to tell the story of the Good Samaritan. Dad, you have modeled such a pure love for the hard to love people of our world. Both through missions and through practical love of our neighbors – you have always sought to be a blessing to anyone, especially those often overlooked and unloved by others. You are JESUS WITH SKIN ON. When I find my arms wrapped around a homeless person, or listening to someone despised by others; I often draw from the experience learned from watching you. There is no one that you can’t love, whether they are across the fence, across the alley, across the tracks or across the ocean.
You will NEVER retire from being an Intercessor. The sun never rises ahead of your prayer life. You are up early carrying the burdens of others to your Lord. Your ministries and your personal life have always been known for the priority of prayer. I am a living reminder of the miraculous power of prayer that you have lived. I remember you laying across my ice-packed little body fighting to live and hearing you pray for me. And when God healed me of deafness, it was your voice my opened ears first heard. We have seen miracles in our own family – mine and those of your other sons – that your prayer life has undoubtedly impacted in wonderful ways! You demonstrated the relationship God desires to have with each of us through prayer – you didn’t use spiritual words or lofty expressions – you talked to God openly, honestly… REAL. You still do and always will. Prayer defines you.
So, yes, enjoy the celebration today. Listen to the kind words spoken to you. In your typical meekness, humbly receive gifts and other blessings. But don’t you, for even an instant, let anyone tell you that you are retiring today. A job has ended but a remarkable life continues on. And I, for one, continue to need you, want you, love you and admire you!. YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND. YOU ARE MY EXAMPLE. YOU ARE MY HERO. On this side of Heaven, you will never grasp the impact your life has made – you wouldn’t want to – but without a doubt, your reward will be great and the crowds of people who you have led to Christ, dedicated, married, counseled, discipled and buried will one day get to all at once say THANKS. But until then, get back to work!
I love you Dad,
Chilly
p.s. he reads this blog - so feel free to leave him a comment here or email him: fredchilton@sbcglobal.net
