Legacy
I've watched a series known as Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel since 2005. Television programs are designed to draw you in by adding drama, excitement, and awe by the stories being told. I believe that if the producers never had any of the film edited and no moving music, I would still be one that is captivated by the raw footage from this series. The extremities of the job for crab fishermen are beyond the norm. I respect these men. I know these men because television has done its job. This fleet of crab fishermen are no longer strangers. I refer to them by name. This season has been dedicated to the captain of the Cornelia Marie crab fishing vessel, Phil Harris. I won't recap the season. I encourage you to watch it. I just wanted to share a few thoughts I gathered from the Tribute to Phil Harris episode.
The name of God was only mentioned in certain reactionary situations by Phil. It is the Bering Sea. Fear, surprise, frustration, and wonder will often bring the use of His name to those who otherwise would never acknowledge Him. Can I, a professed Christian, learn anything from this man, his family, his crew, his friends? Absolutely.
After 30 years of being led by captain Phil, the Cornelia Marie would lose its skipper on February 9, 2010 as a result of the damage from a massive stroke. When family and friends were interviewed for this episode, you heard powerful quotes regarding Phil such as,
"What you see is what you get. And I respect that." - Sig Hansen, Northwestern captain.
"I had the privilege to walk this earth with Phil Harris." - Jonathan Hillstrand, Time Bandit captain.
"You were the best father anyone could have. You taught me everything I need to know to be a man." - Josh Harris, son.
"He lived life to the fullest. I will miss his laugh." - Sig Hansen, Northwestern captain.
"He was a hell raiser and a big teddy bear." - Jonathan Hillstrand, Time Bandit captain.
Phil had the opportunity to be with his sons on the Cornelia Marie for the last 5 years. This meant everything to him because he lost so much time with them due to the strenuous work schedule of the crab fishing seasons. He was proud to spend the moments he had with his two sons. He took advantage of this gift and left an incredible legacy with them.
"I'm no saint. I've made plenty of mistakes. But, I've lived a good life. If I were to die today, I would have no regrets." - Phil Harris
I thought about my life. I thought about my...legacy? Needless to say, I only see the mistakes; the failures. What would my family and friends say about me? I am saved by grace. I know that God has forgiven me because of my confession and the blood of Jesus. With that knowledge and amazing gift, have I taken advantage of what Jesus offered?...
"I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV)
I don't believe Jesus was only referring to eternity. I believe He was also talking about our life in this world. I was reminded that my legacy should always point to Jesus. I've fallen short of that too many times. The people that know us best, know our faults. But, they also know our heart. I want to live life to the fullest; maybe not the way Phil Harris lived, but with the same attitude that life is a gift.
I had to be reminded by a weathered crab fisherman that your legacy doesn't have to be about all the mistakes you made in life; rather how you lived through them. All who are Christians should radiate with light of forgiveness. We should know what true life feels like and exemplify it above all. If nothing else could be said but this by others at my end, it's worth striving for...
"He loved his family. He laughed often. He never stopped trying to live for Jesus."
The name of God was only mentioned in certain reactionary situations by Phil. It is the Bering Sea. Fear, surprise, frustration, and wonder will often bring the use of His name to those who otherwise would never acknowledge Him. Can I, a professed Christian, learn anything from this man, his family, his crew, his friends? Absolutely.
After 30 years of being led by captain Phil, the Cornelia Marie would lose its skipper on February 9, 2010 as a result of the damage from a massive stroke. When family and friends were interviewed for this episode, you heard powerful quotes regarding Phil such as,
"What you see is what you get. And I respect that." - Sig Hansen, Northwestern captain.
"I had the privilege to walk this earth with Phil Harris." - Jonathan Hillstrand, Time Bandit captain.
"You were the best father anyone could have. You taught me everything I need to know to be a man." - Josh Harris, son.
"He lived life to the fullest. I will miss his laugh." - Sig Hansen, Northwestern captain.
"He was a hell raiser and a big teddy bear." - Jonathan Hillstrand, Time Bandit captain.
Phil had the opportunity to be with his sons on the Cornelia Marie for the last 5 years. This meant everything to him because he lost so much time with them due to the strenuous work schedule of the crab fishing seasons. He was proud to spend the moments he had with his two sons. He took advantage of this gift and left an incredible legacy with them.
"I'm no saint. I've made plenty of mistakes. But, I've lived a good life. If I were to die today, I would have no regrets." - Phil Harris
I thought about my life. I thought about my...legacy? Needless to say, I only see the mistakes; the failures. What would my family and friends say about me? I am saved by grace. I know that God has forgiven me because of my confession and the blood of Jesus. With that knowledge and amazing gift, have I taken advantage of what Jesus offered?...
"I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV)
I don't believe Jesus was only referring to eternity. I believe He was also talking about our life in this world. I was reminded that my legacy should always point to Jesus. I've fallen short of that too many times. The people that know us best, know our faults. But, they also know our heart. I want to live life to the fullest; maybe not the way Phil Harris lived, but with the same attitude that life is a gift.
I had to be reminded by a weathered crab fisherman that your legacy doesn't have to be about all the mistakes you made in life; rather how you lived through them. All who are Christians should radiate with light of forgiveness. We should know what true life feels like and exemplify it above all. If nothing else could be said but this by others at my end, it's worth striving for...
"He loved his family. He laughed often. He never stopped trying to live for Jesus."
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