**(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.