Blessed2Bless by Steve Klusmeyer
Going a New Direction
by Steve Klusmeyer - 3/30/2004
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Teach Me to Play
Caleb had spent the night with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Doris. They were planning a trip into town and we had arranged to meet them at a store to pick up Caleb and his stuff, which as usual included his guitar. As we transferred his stuff from one vehicle to the other, I noticed an older man in a nearby car watching and smiling. He motioned to me with his hand. At first, I thought he was just being friendly. (That's not uncommon in our part of the country. Strangers often speak to one another and even carry on entire conversations.) As we finished loading the car, I realized he wanted me to come over to his window.The site of Caleb with his guitar had stirred up some old memories. While serving in World War II, the man had bought an old guitar from one of his buddies. He didn't know how to play but planned to take lessons as soon as he returned home. Another service man, Louis Jones, saw the guitar and asked the man if he would like him to teach him to play. The man agreed and Louis wrote some chords down on a piece of paper.
Over the next few weeks Louis was able to help the man begin playing. Several months later, Louis was transferred. The two men would never meet again. It wasn't until many years later, after reading an obituary, that the old man realized who had taught him to play his guitar. . . . Louis Jones had gone on to become one of country music's most beloved figures . . . Grandpa Jones.
Good News - Bad News
Now I'm not sure of the authenticity of the old man's tale, but he did tell it as a thought-of-as-true story. And it provides a perfect preface to the news I must share with you in this issue.The good news is that I have accepted a position as Administrative Assistant for Communications in my local church. This position will allow me to use many of the skills and talents that God has been developing in my life to really make an impact for Him. . . . The bad news is that because of the extra time that I will need to devote to this new position and other responsibilities, I will not be able to continue with this weekly newsletter . . . at least at this time.
So how is the story about the old man and his guitar relevant to this change? . . . First of all, even though we are strangers and I have never met most of you personally, I feel like we have become friends. I have felt comfortable sharing my thoughts with you each week. Secondly, I doubt that I will become as well known as Grandpa Jones; but through my articles I have been asking each of you if you would like me to help you learn to "play life." Many of you have agreed and have allowed me to share a few chords with you.
My Desire
I began "Blessed2Bless" about four years ago using articles by other authors. Articles written by me were added in October of 2002. My desire has always been and continues to be that my writing will cause you stop and think about some of life's tough questions or, at the least, bring a smile to your face for a few moments. I know that this has been accomplished because many of you have written to share your experiences. It has been my pleasure to be able to share my thoughts with each of you . . . over 4300 subscribers.I hope you will visit my web site regularly, as I will continue to post articles by others and occasionally ones by myself. I would invite you to leave your name on the subscription list in the event that I am able to resume the newsletter sometime down the road.
Thanks again for allowing me to come into your life for a few minutes each week. May God continue to richly bless each of your lives and may you allow Him to use those blessings to bless those He places in your hands (Genesis 12:1-3). -Steve
Learn more about Grandpa Jones