24 Seven May 2018

Joe Pellegrino
THE PIRATE
SHIP
Becoming a legacy minded man is NOT like
the average new year’s resolution that lasts a
week or two at best. It’s not simply a decision
to be forgiven by God. It’s also a decision to
become a God-powered man whose life is
something that can be proudly passed on to
his children – both natural and spiritual.
When my son, Joey, was around eight, I
would take him in the backyard and teach him
how to play baseball. The deal was that if he
hit the ball over my head, I would buy him a
big pirate Lego ship. He really wanted that.
Unfortunately, he never hit it over my head.
Or did he?
My son thought he did. I disagreed.
Regardless, it obviously bothered him
because he thought that I reneged on the
deal. As of this writing, Joey is 24 years old.
I finally recognized that the Lego ship was
creating a wedge between us, and I decided
that it was time I did something about it.
So, when he came home for Christmas, I
had a special gift for him. I asked him to
read the card first. It said simply:
Joey,
This is long overdue, and for that I am
sorry. Please accept this, late as it may
be, for the continual home runs you are
hitting in your life.
Love, Dad
The look on his face told the story.
Gentlemen, no matter how badly
you screw up, no matter how many
years have passed, you can always do
something about your mistakes. Even
if the person you go back to fails to
forgive you, you will be released. I am
so thankful that I tried to right a wrong,
and I believe that Joey and I are better
for it! It’s never too late!
Joe Pellegrino is a men’s pastor, author, speaker, certified life coach, consultant and entrepreneur. He is the president and founder
of Legacy Minded Men, whose mission is to transform lives by engaging, encouraging and equipping men to build a Christ centered legacy.
www.notjustanaveragejoe.net