Two Kinds of People
This weekend, I met 2 people who illustrate a young and an old heart.
Rosalee
I met her at a care facility for the elderly; she was the most coherent person staying there. She wanted my opinion on the war, which I gave her, in a beating around the bush sort of way. We got to talking about faith and the Lord, and SHE started playing the roundabout game. This sweet lady of German ancestry had a well-calloused heart. She became angry when she recalled a friend who had slighted her long ago, and it amazed me how unforgiveness can linger so long. She can't see her sin. She tries to convince herself that she is satisfied with her life, and that she is approaching death boldly, with no shame in bad behavior...but her eyes held fear, and she was uncomfortable with me constantly saying that I am so bad, and I need Jesus so bad. She could have talked forever. I knew she was lonely, but that afternoon I knew there was nothing I could do to change her mind. I could only pray.
Cooper
He visited our children's service this Sunday, and I recognized him, but he had grown about 4 inches. He's 11 now, and Danny Lee's best friend. I have to admit, I profile people, and a boy from Mill Valley with atheist/New Age parents do not readily inspire "Christian" in my mind. But as I was talking to him, I sensed a pure, genuine faith in this boy. His blue eyes showed no guile. When did he become a Christian? You'll never believe this. Danny has been teaching Cooper the lessons I taught in Sunday School. So Cooper knows more about heaven and hell than most of the kids in the ministry. And his faith is so pure! He believes in Jesus. He feels for his family. As he was leaving, he said to me, "Thank you, it really means a lot."
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119
Rosalee
I met her at a care facility for the elderly; she was the most coherent person staying there. She wanted my opinion on the war, which I gave her, in a beating around the bush sort of way. We got to talking about faith and the Lord, and SHE started playing the roundabout game. This sweet lady of German ancestry had a well-calloused heart. She became angry when she recalled a friend who had slighted her long ago, and it amazed me how unforgiveness can linger so long. She can't see her sin. She tries to convince herself that she is satisfied with her life, and that she is approaching death boldly, with no shame in bad behavior...but her eyes held fear, and she was uncomfortable with me constantly saying that I am so bad, and I need Jesus so bad. She could have talked forever. I knew she was lonely, but that afternoon I knew there was nothing I could do to change her mind. I could only pray.
Cooper
He visited our children's service this Sunday, and I recognized him, but he had grown about 4 inches. He's 11 now, and Danny Lee's best friend. I have to admit, I profile people, and a boy from Mill Valley with atheist/New Age parents do not readily inspire "Christian" in my mind. But as I was talking to him, I sensed a pure, genuine faith in this boy. His blue eyes showed no guile. When did he become a Christian? You'll never believe this. Danny has been teaching Cooper the lessons I taught in Sunday School. So Cooper knows more about heaven and hell than most of the kids in the ministry. And his faith is so pure! He believes in Jesus. He feels for his family. As he was leaving, he said to me, "Thank you, it really means a lot."
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119
posted by Paul K at 12:22 AM
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