Conversation with friends restores faith in mankind
Every day we wake up and see the sun rise is a blessing. None of us know what lies ahead from one minute to the next. There are good times and bad. We must accept each with the same grace. This is easier said than done.
Each person has their own collection of happy times which are often lifechanging events. Equally important are the small moments that give us joy when we do not see it coming.
Those are some of the bests to me. Not only do they put a smile on my face, but they also restore my confidence in mankind. Such was the case today.
When God puts people in our path, I believe He does it for a reason. It is not for us to always know the reason immediately. Sometimes, not at all. Seeing the smiling faces of Bill and Sandra Henry today was heart-warming to say the least. A conversation with them leaves you feeling as if just read a touching story from Guidepost magazine. I was humbled they took a few minutes to talk with me.
Mr. Henry told me he once worked at the Cotton Mill. He said he knows many of the people mentioned in my columns. Mr. and Mrs. Henry spent many years attending and worshipping at Canton First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Henry held leadership positions to include sharing the Word of God. Some of you have had much closer relationships with the Henrys than I have. I can only believe you that have considered your time with them something special. Though I do not have the history with them some of you do, every minute I have with them is a blessing.
It was humbling to know they read my column. I told them so and thanked them as graciously as I know how. While we were talking, Mrs. Henry said something which stirred my heart. She talked about how amazing it was that Jesus died for us. And He knows us. Please let this sink in. May we forget about everyone else for just a minute and think of just ourselves and the lives we lead. Now that we have done that, think about how Christ died for us. And He did so despite our failures. We hugged and parted ways. I could have shouted if I was a shouter.
We all fail every day of our lives. If we ask forgiveness, He forgives us. The best of people fail. My talk with the Henrys caused me to think about a couple of folks that failed one time. Joseph and Mary, the earthly parents of Jesus, failed on one occasion which is documented.
They were responsible for raising the Son of God. Try to imagine this pressure. When Jesus was twelve years old, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When it was time for them to leave and return home, they went a day’s journey before they realized Jesus was not with them. There were no Amber Alerts in those days. They had to backtrack to look for Him. Imagine the fear they must have felt. After three days, they found Him. He was in the Temple talking with the doctors who were astonished at His understanding.
At times, we all get caught up in things and leave the Lord behind as did Joseph and Mary. Sometimes it takes us a little longer to find Him than it did to lose touch with Him. To find Him again can be a journey. One thing is for sure. Just like Joseph and Mary, we will find Him exactly where we left Him. It may take a minute. But He will always be there. I have always found the best way to start that journey is on my knees. That is just me. Your journey may be different.
It has been said by some that our lives are the only Bible some people read. This is a great responsibility when you think about it. A few weeks ago, Roy Doss was in our office.
While he was there, I became very irritated over something beyond my control. Roy saw my irritation. Shortly after he left, I called Mr. Doss and apologized. I had to for my own spiritual well-being. Mr. Doss told me he appreciated it, but to not worry about it. He said he had to call a lady and apologize a week earlier for a similar thing. He is a good man I love and respect as I am sure many of you do as well.
If it is true, we are the only Bible some people read, there is not a better couple to emulate than the Henrys. Just talking to them made me want to do better. If you know them, I feel sure you agree. Amen!