Scripture reading
But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love.
–Psalm 31:14-16
Thought of the Day
One of my good friends died this past Good Friday. She was a good friend because I know she loved me. I loved her, too. Her name was Mary. She worked at our church for over twenty years. I knew her as a youth and got to know her better through my college and young adult years and now adult years. Mary loved me and loved my family. She got to know and love my wife and children and they got to know and love her. She was a most special lady. Mary was from Louisiana and I loved it whenever she would go back to the motherland. It was because she would bring me back some crawfish. Most of the time, I would get Mary to cook them for me. Her ettoufee was the very best. She was a great cook and she was also great at loving her Jesus. She was a devout Catholic and was not afraid to share her faith.
A few years ago, I was able to visit the Holy Lands and brought Mary back an olivewood carved head of Christ. Seeing her face when I gave it to her was awesome. It was the perfect gift for her. Last week, I visited Mary at her home. She was very weak and unable to talk. As we stood in her bedroom with her I noticed the carved Jesus sitting at the front of her dresser. It was within arm’s length of her bed. I know that it provided some comfort and peace to Mary. It did for me when I saw it.
Our scripture for today is most comforting to me. I have to know that Mary, who was a servant of God, trusted in Him. She knew her times were in His hands. I have to know that God’s face was shining down on Mary. I know that He saved her in His unfailing love.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for the life of Mary Jones. She is one of Yours. Amen.