Famous People

Bryce Parks was my all time hero in the fourth and fifth forms-he could grow a beard in a week, drink beer [ lots of it] and was in the first fifteen when the rest of us just dreamed of such lofty achievements.He was as famous a person as I knew and so i let everyone know he was in my class and infact was a very , very close friend [ I think?]. He ultimately dropped out of school, lost his way and last time i heard had been in prison.
Why is it we all love to identify with 'famous people'. When I see people I grew up with now on TV or doing well in life I somehow take a bit of qudos for their success even if they have long since forgotten my name.When they fail we soon move on and identify with another rising star.
My latest 'famous person' is a little differnt from the rest.I think its for life and even when I move on he wont forget my name . The reason is that he is a friend, a spiritual son and faithful follower of the same Lord.Hes married, got three children,hates gardening, loves music and worship and faithfully dotes on his wife and children.He makes mistakes, fails at times, picks himself up and keeps competing in this race called life.
He wrestles with his faith, asks hard questions and loves the church with all its challenges.
He loves to laugh and hang out and enjoy the favour life has to offer but is no stranger to challenges and the odd tear that life throws up at us all.
Hes joined me weekly at 6 am many years ago as part of a group of the ' younge men' who met and prayed and journeyed together as we ventured to learn together and believe that a relevant and vital church could be raised up in this day.
Hes served in the community, worked as a counsellor in schools,been a city counsellor,led Youth For Christ in Palmerston North, and seved in a full time role on the church staff.
So whos this 'famous person'. His name is Jono Naylor and he has just been elected with a record vote as one of our youngest mayors into being the new mayor of Palmerston North.

Hes 'famous' because hes been tested and tried even when he was far from the public arena.
Hes 'famous' because hes given what seamed impossible a try and overcome.
Hes 'famous' because hes faithful to his wife and family and loyal to his friends.
Hes 'famous' because he loves God and wont compromise the cause.
Hes 'famous' because he gets a free car park in our city streets.

I really dont know what makes someone famous but somehow I think this may be as close as I get to the real deal.
I congratulate Jono and Karen as they step forward into this next stage of their lives.