The Power of an Appearance
Now, as I lay in hospital for all these days, I was very blessed by people appearing in my life at certain times. And these little appearances were life-giving to me.
Unexpected Blessings
It started with messages, of courseโmessages pouring in. But then came the visits. Obviously, Shereen was there every day. That was like oxygen to me. My folks came all the time. Other members of family were there, and I had a few very special visits.
Some friends came and brought me some stuff to read and had a lovely prayer with me, which I'll cherish forever. The guys from Crossroad all arrived, and we just enjoyed seeing each other. I had people from a care group from a local Methodist Church in Boksburg come and give me a little gift that was very moving. And there were others too.
Each of these appearancesโsomebody just popping up into my life when I needed some supportโwas so precious and so life-giving to me.
Purpose in Pain
As I think back on my time there, I think part of the reason I was there was so that I could make an appearance in other people's lives as well. I met some people who will be friends now forever.
I got to pray with people who needed it. I got to encourage the nurses and the staff, hopefully, for the great work that they did - and boy, did they do some great work with me. I am blown away by that. More on that later in the week.
Living the Gospel
I think in some way this is what the Christian life is aboutโmaking an appearance when youโre needed the most. Is there somebody in your life who could be blessed by you just appearing in their life for a short time through a message or a visit or a phone call? Oh, I was so, so blessed by people doing that for me, I've developed a new passion to be doing that for others, going from here.
May it be that you take the courage today to make an appearance in somebody's life and bless them. If it touches them as much as I was touched, then it'll be worth it for sure.
