Don’t let Tark beat you to the party

Dear Friends,

Perspective is a precious gift.

C.P. Tarkington is a saint in my book. Over fifty years ago he, along with my father and two other men, founded a mission organization to bring the gospel to the American Military forces. In his eighties now, “Tark” is still going strong and still pointing people to Jesus.

At Christmas I received a card from him. “Keep up the great work,” he wrote. “Hope to see you before we get to glory. If not, we will await your arrival. Tark and Wilma.”

His note stopped me short. In actuality, he was talking about dying, and indicating that his time left on earth maybe short. But his tone made me feel that he was going to beat me to a great party, and I ought to be disappointed in my tardy arrival. It was as if he already stood in heaven, looking back through a door called “death”, which was actually the entrance into true life.

For the rest of the day I felt like I was seeing through different eyes. Everything looked different in the light of eternity and through the lens of heaven. For Paul this change in perspective caused crushing difficulties to seem like “light and momentary troubles” (2 Cor 4:17), and titles and achievements to appear as “rubbish” (Phil 3:8).

An eternal perspective also changes the value of things. My high school youth leader once pulled me aside and told me gravely, “Dave, only three things last forever: God, His Word, and people. Everything else is temporary. So if you want your life to have lasting meaning, invest in these three things.”

I’'ve never forgotten his words. And as you pray for your missionary this month, remember that programs will fade, buildings will crumble, organizations will come and go. But the investments we make in the lives of people, investments centered around a living relationship with God and His Word - these have lasting significance.

Don’t let Tark beat you to the party.

Dave Patty
President, Josiah Venture