Charles Goodyear was an American self taught chemist who developed vulcanized rubber for which he received a US patent on June 15, 1844. Goodyear is credited with inventing the chemical process to create and manufacture pliable, waterproof, moldable rubber. Goodyear’s discovery of the vulcanization process followed five years of searching for a more stable rubber and stumbling upon the effectiveness of heating the natural rubber to make it durable and to maintain it’s shape. His discovery initiated decades of successful rubber manufacturing. The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company is named after (though not founded by) him. He died at the age of 59 with very little to show for his efforts except a disabled body from exposure to too many chemicals and very few financial fruits for his labor.
This reminds of what we call the hall of faith in Hebrews chapter 11.
Hebrews 11:13 (NASB95)
13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
We should not be just living for the now, but for the kingdom of God. Goodyear left something behind, even though he didn’t get to see the full benefit of it. For us, our reward is not all here and now. A #blessed life is not one that is filled with new cars and bigger houses. A blessed life is one that is building the kingdom and looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.
#Blessed
I love you, Pastor Rand