This past Sunday Dave and I went to visit a dear lady from our church named Anne. Anne is 94 years old and is fighting cancer, but you wouldn't know it if you met her. Her treatments have kept her steady and I'm thankful for her sake. But I'm not here to tell you about her battle with cancer. I'm here to tell you that Dave and I went to bless her but instead received the bigger blessing.
Dave and I sat with Anne and just listened to her talk. She told us that life goes by so fast, which I have to agree with her and I'm only 30. She talked about The Lord a lot. Not in a weird way, but in a way that showed that she has spent much of her time on this earth in a relationship with Jesus. If I were to take a guess, I'm guessing she has spent much time in The Word and on her knees in prayer. Her eyes and facial expressions just said, "Jesus". It was so encouraging.
She also told us that some people are worried about bringing kids into this world in this awful time but that she also said she could never in her life think of a time when the earth was good. She said even in Bible days it was awful, and I'd have to agree.
Anne also talked about leaving this earth and she had such peace about it. She knows that one day Jesus will call her to her heavenly home. And then I really started thinking. I started thinking that if Anne does get to heaven first that she will get to see my mother-in-law. I sometimes wonder if I can give a message to Anne to give to her. I'd love for her to know that I married her son and I'd love for her to know she has a cute grandson (my nephew). It's just so crazy to think that someone I'm here with on earth could one day soon be with the family I so miss. And not only that but Anne will be with Jesus. I can't imagine any greater thing and I'm really happy for her.
Before we left we asked her what we could pray for. If I were fighting cancer I'd probably pray for no pain and immediate healing but that's not at all what she asked for. She asked if we could pray that she would be a good witness for Jesus. She wants opportunities to share Christ until she reaches heaven. Talk about convicting. I was convicted to the core.
I guess I share all of this because it has been something that I have thought about often this week. I also know it was a good reminder to me that heaven is coming and it is going to be so good! I also needed the reminder to share Christ, and if you are like me, you probably need it too.
Hope your week is going great, friends!
I love that she is 94 and still wants to be a witness for Jesus! This is a great example of how the world views certain groups of people (elderly, sick, handicapped) but Jesus can use anyone for his glory. I'm glad you were able to go visit her!
ReplyDeleteI got chills when I read her prayer request. What an amazing lady!
ReplyDeleteThis is too sweet. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be nothing like the perspective that comes from nearing death. I heard an older woman in our congregation speak about that the other day, and she just has this peace and joy about being with God, while I still fear death so much. She also had purpose in bringing people with her to meet God, something I have to fight for, as I can get so distracted by the worries of this life. I'm so glad you shared this story - it's such a great reminder!
ReplyDeleteLove this! How refreshing and sweet are the life stories and souls of dear folk like Miss Anne. So awesome how she poured into you and your husband and how brightly her light shines for all to see, striving to love strong and finish well. What a testimony to challenge and encourage us. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI literally have cold chills reading this. Such a touching post and Anne sounds like such a sweet woman!
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