“Give me some sugar”

I was tired.  After my third hospital of the day…I was ready to be back in my office.  In route to the fourth hospital, I was in need of a “joy-fill.”  Have you ever had one of those days that you were dragging behind in your privilege of worship?  In other words, you are a selfish “behind the walls of skin complainer?” That was me this morning.  I looked at hospitals as more of a “responsibility” instead of a sweet time to experience God’s grace.  There is no escape of God’s presence.  He is here.  He is there (Psalm 139:7-12).  He followed me to the final hospital and displayed His powerful Gospel to me as if I was a child walking into a baseball stadium with his father for the first time.

The man must have been 90 years old.  He was lying in his bed with a big smile on his face.  I walked in and introduced myself.  Within a minute of our conversation, his wife walked into the room.  Last week, they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary.  Yes, you read that correctly.  71 years of Christ-centered love.  She walked up to her husband and said, “Give me some sugar.” He leaned forward and she kissed him.  He giggled because her hands were cold.  She then said, “We need to shave that mustache…you may have girls hitting on you.”  He giggled again.  71 years of marriage.  They both were happy.  As the final pages of their lives are turning, they are still holding onto the table of contents of their love.  No frustration.  No fear.  They are accepting today as a gift to spend together under the grace of God’s sovereign kindness.  I was a student again in the classroom of the Almighty.  Needless to say, I walked to my car with a deeper appreciation for what I GET to do.

At the end of my life, I want Brooke to say “Give me some sugar.”

At the end of the day, we must all remember that our duties are NOT to collect more honor, success, fame, or celebrity attributes.  We have this day as a gift.  Let’s live in the happiness of our Savior.  Let’s reflect His grace by the way we love and show His kindness.  This involves husbands kissing their wives, dads playing with their children, friends serving one another, churches shining His light, and followers demonstrating joyful obedience to His Word.

“Give me some sugar.”  Great words to hear on this Tuesday.  I’m glad I made that fourth trip to learn from a couple that will finish strong.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Dave

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The CrossPoint Student Ministry exists for the purpose of reaching, teaching, and sending out Just 1 More student for the glory of God.