The Bridge

      Ever since our friend Dave died in an avalanche in February, I have been praying for an opportunity to speak to his widow, also our friend, about Christ. I have shared spiritual things with her before and once wrote her a letter sharing how I came to faith in Christ, but those were the condensed versions. I had never had one-on-one time with her to share the unabridged version. I have been trying to support her in her grief journey, but I also wanted to do something tangibly helpful. Since neither she nor her daughter, who moved back in with her, enjoy cooking (Dave was the main cook) and food is my love language, I have been bringing them food. But with or without food she seems to welcome the visits.  She gave me a standing invitation to come over on Fridays, which is her Grandma Day with her youngest granddaughter, and mine with my oldest.

     I recently made a large pot of chili (I toyed with the idea of making a small batch, but that seemed inconceivable), so I brought that and some cookies out to Janelle. I thought the Lord had again answered no to my prayer when I saw another woman and her toddler already there. But they left early, her granddaughter went down for a nap, and mine wanted to play outside in the playhouse. God gave me 30 to 40 minutes to share privately with her. Conversationally, no "you should" or preaching that pushes people away, just sharing my heart, my struggles and what Christ has done, and is still doing, for me. Her heart is hungry and I finally had a chance to share spiritual food with her. She asked what to read in the Bible and I suggested John, the book the brought me out of Mormonism and into the light. I was even able to share my bridge illustration, that trying to get to heaven by being good is like trying to jump the Grand Canyon. Some may make it further than others, but no one can jump the distance. That is why He sent Jesus to die for our sins, to become the bridge, for all who believe. Christ provided the way for us to be with God.

     I do not know how God will use what I said, only that part of it came from Him and all of it can be used by Him. And, God willing, there will be more opportunities. There is a bonding that comes from being honest and vulnerable with someone you trust, and I think we both felt that. But having God answer my prayer so unexpectedly, sharing spiritual food, brings a satisfaction that Jesus described in John 4 as "meat to eat that you know not of".  For hours I enjoyed the fullness of feasting on that meat. More importantly, if God answered my prayer for a chance to share with her, surely He will answer the most important one, that God will guide her across the bridge.