Friday night Rebecca and I took the boys to see my brother-in-law play football. I saw my college Chemistry Lab professor. If you know me at all, you know my Chemistry Lab professor is not someone I should have been close to. To be honest, the only thing I remember from the lab is that picking up beakers with tongs is a really bad idea. I learned that one the hard way.
This particular professor taught me at one of the darkest parts of my life. When I saw him sitting in the stands, I was overwhelmed with a gratitude that I couldn't exactly put an exact memory to. I can't remember a single conversation we had (other than not picking up beakers with tongs - and I've already hinted at how that ended). But I remember him caring about me and being there for me. I rememeber he asked questions and genuinely went out of his way to make me know I mattered.
I went up to him during the game and asked him if he remembered me. He did. I told him I couldn't exactly remember everything he had done for me, but I wanted to thank him for being a light in my life during a dark time.
He reminded me that I used to talk to him about the church I was in. I'm amazed at how many people knew I was in a cult, but didn't come out and say it. He was thankful to learn I have been delivered from the cult and worshiping in a true church (even if it is Presbyterian!).
The encounter reminded me of how glorious the body of Christ is. There are so many problems in the church and so many reasons to be discouraged. But the truth is, God has a covenant community of believers in this world who encourage each other and point each other to him. I hadn't thought about that professor in years, but his love and care for me as a college student is an indelibe mark on my life. Jesus' church is glorious and amazing. I'm thankful Jesus sent me this professor to be a light in a dar, place.
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