10

 

On New Year’s Eve, Griffey, Elianna, and I sat waiting for the ball to drop and ring in the New Year. Not accustomed to staying up so late, I kept closing my eyes. Griffey had to nudge me at five on the countdown. I did hear the “Three, two, one—Happy New Year!”

We hugged each other, then Griffey switched off the television, and we knelt right there in our family room to pray. It was our yearly tradition to pray as the new year began. He thanked God for the blessings of the past year and prayed about the year to come.

The prayer invigorated me, and I sent Griffey and Elianna on to bed promising to come along soon. The beginning of a new year tends to bring self-examination. Had I been faithful to God? Had I obeyed? Had I allowed Him to use me? Had I made a difference?

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I suppose anytime is a good time to rededicate and recommit yourself to God. I felt I had very little to offer, but determined that what I am and possess, He could have and use.

A vision popped onto the screen of my mind. Elianna was sitting at a small table with a college friend.

“I am so thankful that my mom encouraged me to go on the mission trip. She was right; God showed me so much on that trip.”

The scene switched to Emily.

“Kevin, I was doubting myself. I wondered if I had done the right thing homeschooling you all along. I was allowing others’ opinions to pull me down. Addy encouraged me to trust what God had called me to do. I’m thankful for her.”

Again the scene changed. Dr. Reeves was chatting with his son.

“… even though I’m not actually going to go on any type of mission trip, I appreciate Addy’s encouragement. You can always count on her.”

Sherri sat with her parents and Elison at a local restaurant.

“…I knew God was calling me to start this ministry, but I thought who am I? My pastor’s wife, Addy, urged me to obey, and she was right. I’m so thankful she spoke to me. I am reaping the benefits.”

My own father, Grant Reegan, stood at the front of a church talking to a man.

“Pastor, I never thought I would be standing here publicly saying I’ve given myself to Christ. My daughter recently showed me with her life that this has been my need all my life…”

Hope and Jimmy sat on a couch watching Jeremiah play on the floor in front of them.

“Can you believe how blessed we are? We have Jeremiah and another one on the way. I’m blown away. I’m so glad Addy encouraged us to step out in faith,” Hope said.

Marilee spoke to a woman I didn’t recognize.

“Addy is a lady I work with. She has such a confidence in her God; she made me want to know more. She showed me how to have eternal life. I’m forever grateful.”

Garrett was walking hand in hand with his wife down what looked like a neighborhood street.

“Honey, you have no idea how happy I am that you quit that job. It’s scary to think of the wrong they are doing,” his wife said.

“It feels like a heavy weight has been lifted from my shoulders. It feels great to be in God’s will. I am so appreciative of Addy’s encouragement.”

Melodie sat at a small table with two other young women.

“Well, I may not agree with Addy, but you have to respect someone whose loyalty to God is real.”

Trey was tending a pale Halina.

“I was having a pity party, but Addy reminded me that I am still a witness to others. God is using me in the midst of cancer.”

By the time the visions ended, I was on my knees with tears dripping onto the carpet. My heart filled with gratefulness and amazement that God would use me to actually touch people’s lives.

At some point I stretched out on the couch and fell asleep. A slender ray of sunshine shone across the coffee table signaling the new day. I decided to start the New Year right by getting a little exercise. I threw on my sweats and jogged down the sidewalk. I started to walk at my normal accelerated clip.

“Feels good when you answer God’s call, doesn’t it?”

“Conrad, where have you been?” I stopped.

“Around.”

“I thought you had left me.” I began to walk down the street again, through the dead leaves and crisp air.

“No, I was close by.”

I had planned to ask him if he was an angel, but suddenly it didn’t seem that important.

“Anyway, yes, it does feel good. I guess I didn’t realize that a gift of encouragement could be that significant.”

“It’s significant to those you encourage.”

We strolled a few moments in silence then Conrad stopped and spoke again. There were those piercing eyes. “You know, even if you can’t see the blessings someone can obtain, you can still encourage them to follow God’s will.”

I nodded. That was the moment I knew there would be no more visions. That was also the moment I vowed to be open to whatever God would have for me. I had learned that His call might push me out of my comfort zone, but that zone isn’t that comfortable after all. It is much more rewarding to be out on the limb with Him doing something significant than standing safely on the ground just taking in air.

Now, I occasionally mourn the fact of having no visions. Could I just go back to the way I was? Would I still make a difference for God? Had I learned anything? Am I changed for the better?

Conrad has never returned for another stroll, yet I can still hear the simple truths he imparted. I guess I needed a push, maybe even a shove. Conrad was there to do that. I’m sure he is somewhere encouraging someone else in their faith—blessing them with his wisdom.

I still remember that morning, that first day of the new year. I spotted a lady up ahead. She was moving slowly down her front sidewalk using a walker.

“Excuse me, I’m Addy Townsend. I live two doors down on the corner.”

“I’m Edna Lindsey.” She was out of breath. She stopped and let out a heavy sigh.

“Could I help you?”

“I need to get this in the mail.” She held up an envelope. “I fell three times this last year. Once I laid here for an hour before I could get help.”

“Here, let me take it for you.”

I hastened to retrieve her letter and put it in the mailbox. I pushed the flag up.

“Bless you, dear. Would you like to chat over a cup of tea?” Her face looked so hopeful.

“Well, I’d better…” I nearly turned to go but hesitated, looking into her lonely face. “I’d love to. Especially the chat.”