God Loves a Cheerful Giver
When I consider this phrase taken from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 I am reminded of my friend Larry Tracy. Larry is the father of two Forest Lake alumni. Although it has been several years since his children were students here, his presence is felt every single day. Larry is responsible for the security system that keeps a watchful eye on all the comings and goings around this busy place. He owns a security company called Misson Protection Systems LLC.
Larry has been a pioneer in the security industry on a world wide scale for many years. He holds numerous product patents which have revolutionized aspects of the industry. You will notice a link on this post to two articles about Larry. One is descriptive of a moment of recognition for his contributions to the security industry in general, the other describes what he is currently doing with his philanthropy specific to the California Mission system. This is a fasinating read and an incredible project. You will really enjoy this particular article!
Perhaps you have noticed the security system throughout our high school and jr. high school campus. The installation, maintenance, constant upgrading, and support of the system is a result of Larry Tracy and his support of Christian education. I could provide you with a list of a half a dozen other ways that Larry has gifted this institution (you would be blown away), but I do not think he would want me to do that.
I suppose that is why Larry reminds me of those the apostle Paul speaks of in this passage from Corinthians, he symbolizes the kind of people that are supposed to make up the Kingdom of God; people who advance His Kingdom agenda without a concern about what they might receive in return. That single, self-less expression is so typical of Larry, and candidly so many other people who comprise this school community. Thank you Larry Tracy for your generosity to this specific place, but more importantly to the Kingdom of God, and my heartfelt thanks to the many throughout this school community who selflessly give to His Kingdom work. It is true that God sees in the moment…but others are watching as well.
