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Reflection: |
This verse
immediately brings to mind certain people. Some I know well,
some I met briefly, and one I saw on a street in Linz,
Austria. In this city my husband and I were awe- struck by
the beautiful face of a nun who radiated a joy greater than
that which is the product of earthly happiness. This servant
of God reflected the hope and happiness that is hers in
Jesus Christ. As I recall those people whom I know well
and who exemplify the above verse, a common denominator
surfaces: Although they all face challenges in life, they
are able to see the larger picture of help and hope in their
God. What they lack on earth pales in comparison to the
abundant life they have found in Christ.
I think of a woman who despite health problems answers
the phone: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us
rejoice and be glad in it." I think of a friend who in
facing serious surgery calmly says that whether he lives or
whether he dies, his faith will make him victorious. And I
think of an elderly lady who lives in the knowledge that God
is still using her. I am convinced of that when I leave her
room, inspired by her faith and wisdom.
Two people whom I had the privilege of meeting on the
island of Belize also reflect this verse. They are among the
happiest Christians I have ever encountered. Although their
worldly goods are few on an island that is a tropical
paradise for tourists, they reflect the hope and happiness
of a future paradise. I will remember a native tour guide
more for her attitude of Christian joy than for her vast
knowledge of her island home. And I have a beautiful
mahogany dolphin to remind me of the Christian man who
carved it and whose smile was as radiant as the face of the
nun on the other side of the world. These are wealthy and
happy people, indeed. Their faithful witness has left me
with much. |