IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS

Every once in a while something happens that makes you feel really good inside. Such was the case for me last Saturday morning.

Our church has two Guatemalan cleaners, a husband and wife, both in their early thirties. Wonderful people, Christians, assigned to work at our church about two years ago by the cleaning agency that employs them. During their time here we’ve grown to love, appreciate and admire them for the grit they’ve exhibited in leaving their home country to come to the United States in legitimate pursuit of a better life.

Louis and Sylvia tried to have a baby for several years, but each pregnancy ended in a miscarriage…four in all…and with each crushing loss the non English-speaking Sylvia sank deeper into melancholy. Often Louis, his brow furrowed with concern, would pull me aside to ask for prayer, first for the well-being of his wife and then for the blessing of a baby.

By now you’ve probably guessed where this story is going. Three weeks ago the Lord said yes to Louis and Sylvia’s fervent petitions and baby Louisa was born, dark-haired, robust and ready to turn her parents’ lives upside down. Louis and Sylvia believe with all their heart that this baby was a gift from God and so they asked if I would join them to formally thank him for his precious gift of grace. Of course I said yes and at 11 am last Saturday we came together in our sanctuary, along with several members of their family, my wife Nancy and the Lacorazzas to praise and thank the Lord for his faithfulness. There were no dry eyes.

Ministry has its burdens—people problems, funerals and the like—but ministry also has many blessings, not the least of which is the opportunity to come together with believers for occasions of unmitigated joy. Last Saturday was one such occasion and I’m inordinately grateful to God for allowing me to be a part of it. As I said, it made me feel really good inside.

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 106:1).

Love and blessings,

David