I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-8
Jay Abernathy knows about planting seeds.
He has been aware of NCS for quite some time. Abernathy first learned about NCS about ten years ago when he attended a few Fridays at the lodge. But while those Fridays were the “seeds” it took some watering and God to make his involvement grow. A little over four years ago, Abernathy became actively involved in NCS when the chapter in Davie County opened.
“Some of the men in my church were helping to form the new chapter of New Canaan Society. They asked me if I would like to attend – and since I was familiar with NCS and this new chapter was just getting started, I felt like it was time to get involved,” shared Abernathy.
He has officially been a "name-tagged member" for going on five years.
A little about our friend, Jay
While not born there, Abernathy has resided most of his 22 years in the Davie County area. He actually grew up in the heart of the small town of Marion on Main Street – as a “townie”. He grew up near but not participating in farm life and lived a short distance from the beauty of Linville Gorge and the North Carolina mountains.
He was one of two children and has been believer his entire life. As such, he’s had several “God moments”…but one in particular stands out in his mind.
“One God moment for me was watching my sister pass at the age 46. She had such faith and peace throughout her life and to the end. While she fought as hard as possible to spend every second with her kids, the peace, grace and strength she displayed towards the end of her life was due to her exceptional faith. The example touched nearly everyone in Hospice who helped her as well as me and my family,” said Abernathy.
Abernathy shared that one of the hardest things in living out his faith is not being pulled into worldly issues. Being somewhat ADD, he said he struggles not to get distracted and knocked off the path he should stay on. But having a friendship with Jesus – and being in relationship with Him – helps.
“I know I have to rely on Him and trust Him. I would ultimately like to be more of a servant, which I believe requires more submission. For now, serving as an NCS host has made me not only more aware of all that goes into NCS but more reliant on discerning the Holy Spirit. I’m more willing to give up control, trust God and be transparent.”
For the record, his preference in peanut butter is JIF - because that’s what his Mama always bought.
“And if you are using the Mark Richt 10-bite sandwich pattern, you won't choke eating a PBJ. If you don’t believe me, you can google it.”
Well. You learn something new every day!