**(The Cherry Blossoms turn 100 years old this year – Spring 2012! NOTE: I wrote this post April 2010).
Yes, Spring has sprung! Hard to believe that six weeks ago we had three feet of snow in the Washington, DC vicinity and today the temperatures are pushing 75 degrees! Yes, the Scriptures are true: “This too shall pass.”
I love the different seasons of the calendar year and I am thankful that God is both creative and NOT boring. My last post talked about the pain that Christ went through to ensure our salvation. “Good Friday” was mandatory in order to benefit from Easter Sunday. Without the cold temperatures of the winter, one may not enjoy the explosion of the budding flowers with warmer weather in the Spring. My last post I shared how my ancestor on my father’s side carried President Abraham Lincoln across the street from Ford’s Theater (now Lincoln Theater) on “Good Friday,” 1865. Today, I would like to share with you my ancestor on my mother’s side who was the lead foreman with the U.S. Park Service.
We learned as children that the CHERRY BLOSSOMS were a gift from Japan in 1912, to the United States of America to help strengthen ties between the two countries. My ancestor and his team were given the assignment of hand planting their generous gift to our Nation. What many don’t know is that the Cherry Blossoms almost didn’t survive that first harsh Winter weather in Washington. My ancestor got on his hands and knees and hand-planted all the Cherry Blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington. The weather was so frigid that year, that his team had kerosene laterns hoping and praying that the seeds would stick and GROW! Talk about whistle while you work, they literally put feet to their prayers hoping they would survive.
Looking back, I have always wondered a couple things about my ancestor and his assignment. First, did he have any idea despite how small the seeds were that they would grow and become such a monumental tourist attraction? Did he have a clue that folks from all corners of the globe would intentionally plan their vacation to our Nation’s Capital during that small window of time when the Cherry Blossoms bloom to their full beauty to peek when the flowers peaked? Sometimes, I wonder was he tempted to throw in the towel because the elements were too cold, the odds not in their favor, or worse, its no big deal because its just another “small” gift from a foreign land and who will notice? Perhaps, he thought (like many) this is just a menial job and this is just another task and why bother? Honestly, I cannot answer those questions but I am so thankful that he didn’t quit the task at hand.
Ruth, Hannah and I, made the trek last year to view the Cherry Blossoms and its humbling to walk around Washington, DC. Our Nation’s Capital is not only in my backyard but resembles a rich tapestry woven in the fabric of my blood. My Uncle Joe ran for Congress, my Aunt Barbara Shelton-Quinn went to the senior prom with now House Majority Leader of Congress Steny Hoyer (D-MD). My cousin married former House Majority Leader Dick Armey’s son (R-TX), we’ve had five generations of police officers in our Nation’s Capitol. My father, Frank Shelton, Sr retired as Acting Assistant Chief of the United States Capitol Police and my Uncle Charlie, retired LT Shelton in charge of the entire canine department of USCP. Then you have my ancestor who carried President Abraham Lincoln the night of that fatal shooting and here I have another ancestor who helped plant the world famous Cherry Blossoms.
Regardless, if protecting the President of the United States of America or praying, planting and protecting the smallest seeds from the harsh Winter weather I believe they realized that it was all “BIG.” Each and every task that comes to us should be taken as if it were “larger than life.” Ironically, my father’s first job out of high school (before going to Vietnam) was help building the WATERGATE HOTEL that would eventually topple the presidency of President Richard M Nixon. I know firsthand, that accidentally, intentionally or subliminally living up to HISTORY can be heavy but missing your Divine Destiny can be deadly! Success is carrying out “His Story” in our daily lives.
Years ago, I recall hearing a story of two men in Italy, whom were laying bricks on a job site. One passerby asked the first guy what he was making? With a growl he barked: “I’m building a building!” The same man walking on the sidewalk came to the other mason further down and asked the same question and the other replied with a smile: “I am building a CATHEDRAL.” Our attitude makes all the difference!
In basketball, we lost a game 48-49 when I played Parks & Recreation (before high school). I scored 25 that night and was 11 for 11 from the foul line. We lost by a basket and I shot a half court shot at the buzzer and banged off the back of the rim only to miss and we lost. Despite leading the game in scoring, one of my fellow players blamed me for missing a half court shot (almost impossible to hit). The coach brought the proper perspective. The same teammate making fun of me missed five of eight from the foul line and missed two lay-ups that game. Had he just made one layup or two of his missed free throws (with no one guarding him) we would have won the game. THE POINT is that we need to learn to do the little things BIG and major in the minors. While in college, I also coached three seasons of basketball. It dawned on me that more games are lost because of a lack of commitment to the fundamentals. Games are not won or lost with missed hook shots, half court jumpers or a dunk from the foul line but for not concentrating on the basics.
As Christians, it is imperative that we have a quiet time with the Lord daily, read His Word, pray to God, walk out our prayer life and be the extended Hands of Jesus reaching out to help while reaching up in worship! Despite criss-crossing the Country as an itenerant speaker; it has also been my privilege (two Sundays per month) to help the smallest church in the county keep their doors open after their beloved pastor of 37 years died. The church dwindled down to nine people and my calling is “doing the work of an evangelist” but I also made a vow to God that I didn’t want to get so “big” that I wouldn’t be willing to help the smallest church in the county. The irony is God allowed me to get on the radar of some of the largest churches in the Country in the process because I am daily trying to major in the minors, do the little things BIG and regardless if protecting the most powerful person on the planet, planting seeds (regardless if they become world renown) or preaching the Gospel to the masses or a miniscule crowd it is “ALL BIG” when we remember the task at hand and Who we do it for.
In closing, someone told me great advice over a decade ago: “Frank, if you think you’re “too big” to do the little things than in God’s eyes you will be too small to do the BIG things.” God has blessed me with a rich heritage on Capitol Hill, but also hardwork, honor and helping humanity. The Lord has also blessed YOU with open doors, incredible opportunities and a place to serve others while living for God. The Bible is clear: “Whatever your hand finds to do, make sure you do it for God’s Glory.” May we all BLOOM where GOD planted YOU! Don’t despise small beginnings (or seedlings) but God only knows how many will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How do I know? My ancestor and his team planted the CHERRY BLOSSOMS.
Frank, I enjoy reading your post and emails. Your passion and desire
to serve our Father, Jesus Christ, is emotionally moving to me. I can be
having one of those days when the devil won’t leave me alone…I can get on fb
and read a msg from you; I become so inspired and declare the devil be gone. So
thank you my friend. Happy Easter to you and your family.
“The Honor of Bearing Greatness”
My dad’s friend was an honorary pallbearer at Elvis’ funeral”…. “my ancestor, Joseph William Shelton, carried President Lincoln”…..
I read these comments about men who carried “great men” at their death, and I reflect on your thoughts of Joseph of Arimathaea carrying the body of Christ. Then, the Lord whispered in my ear, “And I’ve called Frank to carry My message of salvation to the lost.” Your honor and your burden is a gift and I thank our Father that you gladly bear it, my friend.
Have a blessed and joyous Easter.
“He is risen!…..He is risen, INDEED!”
Frank, it was great speaking with you yesterday on the phone. Brother, you have a gift. You always joke that when folks come out to hear you speak that you will put them to sleep. Man, you are THE BEST speaker I have ever heard!! I think its admirable that are willing to help out at the country church and that commitment had to cut your speaking schedule nationally in half. The irony is that some think evangelists don’t have a heart for the local church but yet you are the senior pastor twice per month to keep the doors open. Man, you are one humble guy and I know God is pleased with you!
I am glad you told me about your blog because now I can keep track of when you may be passing through. Can’t wait to do lunch with you and God has given you a special gift. You are in a special league and I admire your humility, kindness and passion for Jesus and making “average Joe’s” like me feel important. After we hung up, I was reminded of Elvis Presley. Did you know at the height of his career, he knew the names, players and positions of so many artists/musicians and singers who all loved music but no where near his level of talent or visibility. Yet, he literally knew what band that they played for or what group they sung for and despite being at the TOP he remembered and took time to know others. That trait endeared him to so many and shocked the rest of them.
In a similar fashion, you have that same gift. You roll with some pretty amazing folks but know facts about everyone. I admire that trait about you greatly. When we get to Heaven, many folks will realize what a gift you were while on Earth. God bless you Frank and keep preaching! See you soon –
Frank you have always been in my eyes a humble servant, who in fact is faithful in the little things. I can only believe that the best is yet to come for you my friend!
Frankie that is one beautiful Family you dun gots there! I love Cherry Blossoms
and springtime. Your blog was so amazing, awe in-spiring and smart~ smart~
smart. Mann how did you get SO SMART~~~ and to that I will add soul-fully
sensitive and surely sensible…smart without the other two added ( God
understood) is seldom successfull. YOu my friend are SUCCESS-FILLED. Amen bro.
Props top the Shelton Clan♥ May I borrow some lines from that blog?…just to
post on my page already posted ’em in my head hahaha~!”
Frankie, Enjoyed reading about my Dad’s grandfather, your Great Great Granddaddy William Easton who, as you know, was head gardener for the Park Service. I thank God the seedlings survived those first harsh winters, and am even more thankful for a son like you who has the God-given gift of sharing stories about everyday folks in order to teach people about the Scriptures and God’s amazing love for us all. You are such a blessing and I love you!
Thank you dear friends for all the kind notes @ Mom, you will always be the STORY TELLER in our family. Love always – frankie
Frank, I love reading your blog on a weekly basis. I am actually bummed when I check in and you haven’t added a new one. Thanks also for your email on the cruise to Jamaica. I would love to experience all those people getting saved on a cruise. That must have been a wonderful feeling to know that you touched so many lives. Don’t think my budget will allow me to go on the Cruise but I will certainly pray about it and put it in the Lord’s hands.
Hope to meet up with you soon. I always read your blog and look for the next
chance to see you speak in Charles County. God Bless you, your wife and
children.
Frankie J,
Thanks for sending me this one. Your Mom asked me today if I had seen your blog on the Cherry Blossoms. I have been hoping that you would share it with me. You did a wonderful job on this one – as you always do.
Love,
Aunt Janie
Nice work Frank. Always praying God will continue to use you for BIG things.
You are a blessing. Just returned home from a big presentation. Praying for more. Exhausted. Still looking for the day when we can reunite and do an event in OH together.
K.
Very very cool blog. It’s been many years since I have see DC’s cherry blossoms. Funny thing it was my mother’s favorite song “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossoms white…
Reggie