Living YES!: Larry & Marilyn — Using Their God-Given Gifts to Bless Others

Larry & Marilyn

Using their God-given gifts to bless others.

During the late fifties in San Jose, California, a young nurse was smitten by her church's new choir director. That, combined with her love of music and singing, was the perfect impetus for joining the choir.

Apparently her "smitten-ness" was reciprocated as the two tied the knot in 1960. Now sixty-five years later, what a wonderful legacy God helped Larry + Marilyn Sampson create.

Larry's resume includes teaching music, band and choir from elementary all the way through college level. Marilyn, an integral member of this dynamic duo, fulfilled her God-given passion of nursing, taught in various church classes, wrote poems and served as an accomplished pianist at various churches and events.

Their pride and joy are their three (also musically inclined) children, along with their spouses, five grandchildren and almost four great grandchildren. Not surprisingly, their family gatherings bubble over with lots of singing, poetry, stories, laughter and praise.

When Larry and Marilyn moved years ago to Spring Lakes, a 55+ mobile home park in Scotts Valley, California, they did not skip a beat in adapting to their new, growing community open to adults from all walks of life.

But they went much further than simply adapting. They invested their lives wholeheartedly in other residents, and they led the way in helping to build an even stronger community, sharing Christ's love freely and caring deeply for one another.

Many residents were thrilled to become part of the choir Larry and Marilyn formed. For the past twenty years Spring Lakes has been blessed to host superb Spring and Christmas concerts—and hymn sings. Their concerts are graced with excellence, humor, joy and spiritual depth. And, of course, these concerts weren't simply a matter of song selection and performance. The choir created a sense of devotion and teamwork through many practice sessions, striving to become better together—with beautiful, life-breathing harmony both on stage and off.

They also had a vision for reaching out beyond their tight-knit community and took their performances on the road to other Santa Cruz County locations. We love how Larry and Marilyn didn't settle for just settling in through their sixties, seventies and now eighties. Another wonderful Young Enough to Serve poster couple!

I've been touched to the core by the way the Sampsons consistently look for ways to bring out the best in others. They encourage people to use their God-given gifts to bless and bring joy to this often-hurting world. Not simply content in exercising their talents, they find fulfillment when others stretch themselves and experience the joy of ministering to others.

Larry and Marilyn's deep love for each other is also a tender and uplifting testimony of a marriage immersed in Christ's love.

Marilyn grew up with the close companionship of her twin sister, who passed away a couple of decades ago. With this cherished twin relationship and her marriage to Larry, she has never experienced living alone.

Now, with Marilyn's health necessitating a recent move to a nearby assisted living center, Larry joins her for each meal to continue the treasured companionship, to help Marilyn meet other residents, and to reassure her that she still won't need to experience long stretches of being alone. A continuing reflection of lives devoted to treasured relationships and community-building—stepping in to bring joy and comfort at times of loss easily marked by profound loneliness.

I'm blessed to serve as a chaplain at Brookdale, where Marilyn now lives. And Marilyn continues to serve, playing the piano during my monthly devotions.

Wes' and my lives have been so enriched by knowing and loving this precious couple. Through their love for Jesus, family and others, they have made beautiful music together. We're better people with both of you in our lives, Larry and Marilyn.

Thank you for loving and living your lives to honor Jesus. You are loved by many.

–Judy

Reflection from Shani

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or imagine". Ephesians 3:20

As Dan and I spend more and more time with adults in their second half, we are humbled by the common thread we are noticing in folks like Larry and Marilyn. Service-minded people desire to serve in whatever capacity and whatever way in whatever stage God provides.

It seems that in every phase of life we are given opportunities to steward for the glory of God, whether we feel able and equipped or not. It may be as simple as an offering to mentor, pray, fix, help, hug, welcome, call, drive, teach, cook….each of us has access to meaningful purpose.

As we age, the temptation is to underestimate the difference we can make in the life of another, but let us not forget that there is a whole generation behind us eager to see what is possible in the Lord!

Do you know someone in the second half of life who is making a meaningful impact for the Kingdom? We’d love to hear their story as we continue gathering inspiring examples. Please send to info@yestoserve.org.