“Where are you going?” Mom asked as we headed to Aloma Avenue to get gas before we went to the nursing home. We had just finished shopping earlier and had put away all the groceries before we left.
“I’m taking a little detour down memory lane.” I said.
“What?” she asked again.
“My high school, Mom. Oh, here it is.”
I stopped in front of Winter Park High and looked at the old brick building that I remembered as new. I glanced at the oak trees that I remembered as small saplings that now towered overhead. There was still a flagpole in front of the not-so-impressive façade. I was looking at holy ground.
So what’s so special about it? A lot of my memories of it have faded. There is really not much left to recall. But one main even stands out. The day I got saved I still remember in every detail.
“Do you know the Four Spiritual Laws?” asked a girl as she approached me that day as I stood out front on the sidewalk. I was a lonely adolescent who had few friends. I read a lot and made good grades but there was a terrible aching in my heart for love, companionship and acceptance. I guess I was a gullible victim for the Gospel and I am glad God set it up that way.
When I accepted Christ as my personal Savior that day, his love and joy filled my soul. I felt totally new and it was a great feeling. Believe it or not, it was over 40 years ago and still is just as fresh in my mind as on that first day of my Christian walk. It was the wonderful thought that God loved me and had a wonderful plan for my life.
My life sometimes doesn’t feel so wonderful. I have trials and troubles and some days are almost unbearable. But with Jesus, my Savior, at my side, what a difference it has made! Now, many more people have been loved by me and had transformed lives because of that one day back in 1971 when my life was changed.
“Never despise the day of small beginnings.” Of all things that happened to me before or since nothing has ever compared. It was my A.D. moment. It was my first year of Our Lord and it has been exciting ever since.
“We gotta go!” Mom exclaimed. “We have to get to the nursing home soon to pick upAnn and then on to the restaurant."
I snapped back to the present.
I drove a few blocks to the nursing home then and visited with Ann, mom’s friend of over 50 years. She told us she didn’t feel like going out to eat. Her legs looked more swollen than ever, so it was probably a wise decision.
We gave her a hug and said good-bye.
“Don’t be sad!” She replied. “I’m going home in a few days. Then the swelling will go down. I believe it." Her faith and determination reflected in her strong brown eyes.
“We’ll be praying for you.” I replied.
And then it was on the seafood restaurant to meet Carol, another long-time friend and hear about her husband Lloyd’s current update.
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