Plant Trees

“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit.”- A nameless Greek Philosopher

I recently heard this quote by our pastor on a Sunday morning. It got my attention. Let’s break the quote down as it relates to me and Orphan Shade.

“Old Men”

I put myself in the bucket of a youngish old man. I am clearly living in the last third of life. The creaks and pops in my knees do suggest that my body is aging. The health issues we have dealt with over the last 4 years further remind me of my temporary nature on this planet.

“Plant Trees”

The important part. The planting. I am reminded that I have a mandate and a calling to invest in the Kingdom.  “A tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” Psalms 1:3. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21.

“Whose Shade they willl never sit”

I reminded that the mission is not about me! It is very possible that I personally may never see the fruit generated from our Orphan Shade beneficiaries. That is both a sad and a glorious thought at the same time.

"Society Grows Great”

Prince Kampomo and me are convinced that our girls as future women will have a positive impact in Malawi. This includes women in ministry roles such a pastors, evangelists and teachers as women in professional roles such as well as businesswomen, laywers, nurses, doctors and more.

Conclusion

I did not write this piece to generate a personal atta boy. My objective is to speak to my peers (Old Men). They have time, talent, experience, resources, connections and wisdom. However, many Christian men are not using these tools for the gospel. They are currently not in the “plant trees” business.

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,” Psalms 92:12-13.

Therefore, I want to strongly encourage older men and women to reengage in life on this planet and use what God has supplied to make a real difference in this world and store up treasures in heaven.

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