You Never Know

A young man came up to me at youth group came up to me 2 weeks ago and asked me if I was "Ms. Barb"...and I said yes.  He asked, "Do you remember me?".  Of course I remembered him.  Jack.  He had changed a lot over the years, but I could see the boy in the eyes of this tall 17 year old.  He was one of "my" kids in the weekday ministries program that I worked with many years ago. He was a bright, mischievous, handful of a boy.  I remembered him.  I prayed for all the children that God blessed me with during my years at that church...but Jack was one that held a special place in my heart.  I knew he was on a path that would lead him to heartache and struggle...so I prayed a little harder for him.  I heard his name from time to time, but lost track of him over the years.  When I left that job I personally bought Bibles for all my kids...I needed to leave them with something that was a reminder of the impact they had on my heart and how much I loved each of them.  Jack shared that he had indeed taken a path that took him down a road of poor choices and has since turned his life over to the Jesus that we talked about in my after school program, and has come to know through Teen Challenge.  Jack said he never read that bible - never had an interest - until his mother brought it to him.  He told me about the inscription and the bible verse below it.  I don't recall the exact words I wrote in 2004, but I remembered the verse.  Philippians 1:3   "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."  I told him I meant what I wrote...it truly came from my heart.

Jack gave his testimony that night...I was blessed beyond words.  Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened.  My heart was filled with sadness for his journey, but also with joy for his salvation.

I have walked my own way and have a journey that is far from perfect.  God saw fit to bridge the gap between us with a Savior...and I try to live my life so it is pleasing to Him.  I often fail, but I never give up. 

I read this poem by Helen Lowrie Marshall many years ago and the words struck a chord with my soul.

YOU NEVER KNOW

You never know when someone

May catch a dream from you.

You never know when a little word

Or something you may do

May open up the windows

Of a mind that seeks the light –

The way you live may not matter at all,

But you never know – it might.

 

And just in case it could be

That another’s life, through you,

Might possibly change for the better

With a broader and brighter view,

It seems it might be worth a try

At pointing the way to the right –

Of course, it may not matter at all,

But then again – it might.

 

(A Gift So Rare © 1969 by Hallmark Cards, Inc.)

 

© 2010 Barb Weatherwax

 

 

Comments

[Rene Volpi]

Great poem !! Thank you for sharing, btw; where is your friend connect? Rss just won't do. :-)

Best
René