Sara was in her late 40′s and needed a hip replacement. She went through the surgery fine, but was not able to navigate the world completely on her own for a bit. Her husband, Terry, graciously brought her to church on Sundays.
Terry was a skeptic. He had been around churches some and he was not buying what they were selling. But, Terry was a very kind man and did not complain about toting Sara to church. In fact, he stuck around a bit for the service so he could then take Sara home. Over time, he realized the Shepherd was sharing a bit of a different message than Terry had heard before. The Shepherd was not searching for more money in the offering plate, nor was he trying to guilt people for anything. Instead, the Shepherd was sharing about a God who loves so much He was willing to bridge the gaps between Himself and them. God sought relationships, He did not seek to trash them. He is a God of forgiveness and reconciliation, not a God of condemnation.
Terry heard that message and he became interested in knowing that God of Love. Terry became involved in serving at the church. He participated in the worship services (he was easily spotted tapping his foot to the music on the front row). Terry changed.
And then Terry came to the Shepherd with a need. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He sought medical treatment and prayers. Which one worked, who knows, who cares. God gave Terry another ten years to love and seek Him. And Terry used that time well. A man always noted for his kindness changed to a kind man with purpose.
I reflect. I don’t pretend to understand God miraculously intervening. When, why, or how He does. But as I look at the extra days Terry was given, I rejoice. And now that Terry gets to be in the Presence of God, I think of Paul’s words “21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21