Jeff and I were neighbors, but because both of us were busy I suppose, we never got to know one another – until Jeff got sick. I’m not sure why I felt a desire to visit someone at Hospice that I barely knew – but I did. It was there, 15, 20 minutes at a time that I really got to know Jeff. We would talk about the news of the day, sports and of course life, and God and spiritual matters. What always struck me about him was how upbeat he was, how strong in spirit he seemed. He could easily have been the opposite, and I often wondered if I could have handled things the way he did. It was, however, through our many talks that I gained an understanding of how simple it was to remain positive during a very difficult time – and that is by trusting in God and putting your faith in him, and accepting his plan for your life no matter how difficult it may be to understand.
As time passed – I believe it became obvious to Jeff that God had a plan for his life. Under unconventional circumstances he was called to be a subtle witness to others, especially to those who did not believe in Jesus Christ. During several chats, I expressed to Jeff how great a christian example he was setting for me, my family, and all those who knew him or knew of his story. Each time he heard that he seemed surprised at that sentiment.
I remember so vividly how Jeff would thank me for coming to visit, and it struck me so profoundly because I always felt like I received much more from the visit than he did. On numerous occasions I walked down the Hospice hallway and thanked God for my visit with Jeff on that particular day. What a wonderful feeling it is to know now that because we shared a common belief in Jesus, that what was a short friendship here on earth - will be an eternal one in Heaven.
While it may seem strange to say, God really did bless Jeff. No, the miracle God performed in Jeff's life wasn't that of total healing as we all would have liked, but there was a miracle nonetheless. This miracle blessed more than just Jeff and his family and friends, it blessed and strenthened his church family as well.
I don’t pretend to know or understand why God works the way he does, but I do know this much: everything that happens ultimately does so to glorify his name. Jeff’s circumstance was no different.
Yes – he is gone now, but his witness, his christian maturity, and his faith and love in the Lord, will live on in all those that knew him.
And to God be the honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen.
- David F.