I wrote recently about sitting with a loved one as she prepared for a Pet Scan.  (November 15, 2011 http://saintsonsafri.wordpress.com )  Today, as I was reviewing the notes that I had scribbled in that darkened room, I remembered the texting conversation that I had with Abby.  I wrote to her that the technician was allowing me to stay for fifteen minutes.  Abby responded, “Stay as long as they will let you stay.  Then stay some more.”

I did not notice until today how powerful those words were, how indicative of the working of God’s Spirit in our lives.  We are living among many people who are disenfranchised with organized religion.  Few have contact with a church, and some of those who do are not sure that they even believe what the church teaches.  Others are outspoken in their distrust of people who profess to belong to God, and even of God, if there is such an entity.

Abby and I move among them in the spirit of Jesus, even when we do not speak of Jesus aloud.  At this time of decorations and celebrations, I heard a man proclaim, and not in jest, “Christmas – Bah!  Humbug!”  And I smiled at him.  He laughed, and continued to grumble on his way, but with a smile on his face. 

How often has it been true of my life – that in my darkest, saddest, most fearful and wondering hours, Jesus has come to stay with me as long as I would allow him, and then to stay some more!   So it is, on the personal safari of each life, I think.  Even when we do not believe in Jesus, Jesus believes in us, and comes to stay, as long as we will let him stay, and then some more.