Greed

Preparations for the future include this life and the next.

“I’m just greedy, I guess.” 

He said this four times.

I listened to this construction engineer during an hour plane flight.

“I have to make money to sustain the way of life I have come to expect.”

As we talked I discovered he has three grandchildren.

“I want to make enough now to provide for them, then, when I’m gone,” his eyes moistened.

“There is nothing like the feeling I get when I see them,” his face beamed, “When they run and jump into my arms and call out “Pop, Pop!”

As the plane initiated its descent, more questions from me uncovered his concern for his grandchildren now.

“We heard from their teacher that they needed help. They are each a year behind in their reading level. I’m wondering what I can do,” his comment was a plea for help.

“I’m in education,” I stated.

His ears perked up. The conversation had centered around him.

Seriously he inquired, “What do you suggest?”

“You have done a good job preparing for your grand kids’ finances.

Now you can help prepare them for an effective life.”

I was teaching without a classroom.

“How?” he asked.

“I think you should commit to reading with them and to them two hours a day.”

I continued to give grade-level book ideas and other book encouragements. He held a Kindle device in his hands, suggesting that reading was natural for him. “I think I’ve read every western ever written,” he said without boasting. “I guess it’s time I read books that will help my little ones.”

“There is something else,” I said.

He was all ears.

“You need to help build their character. Children need to be built from the inside, out. You said you take your little grand son fishing.

Have you talked with him about right and wrong?

Have you talked with him about what is important in life?

Have you talked about why focusing on others instead of self is important?

Have you talked about the God who made their world?”

I was honest without being intrusive. He was still listening.

“Look,” I said. “You talked about being ‘greedy’. To be honest, I don’t think that is so. You obviously care deeply for others; your children and grandchildren. Maybe now, what you call building external ‘greed’ can be shifted to building their internal future.” 

He shook his head up and down. “Yep, you’re right. Can’t deny it.”

“I believe Jesus changes us from the inside, out,” I felt the tires hit the tarmac as I spoke. “Focus on what is internal and eternal with your grand kids. It will be the best future you could give them.”

He smiled, shook my hand, and gathered his things to leave the plane.

“Thanks for the advice about reading. I appreciate you listening. And I will think about the other thing you said,” he paused. “Yep, I will.”

The Holy Spirit travels with Mark. He is also present in conversations such as this. Dr. Mark Eckel flies across the United States to teach about education, faith-learning integration, movies, and how “God through Jesus is reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).