Living Life by Design

My mom died of breast cancer in November of 1975. I was only 16. My best friend at the time was Bill Ballance. He and I were inseparable. We both went to the same high school and trained at the same karate studio. I practically lived at his house. Bills mom, Marilyn was a financial aid counselor at UC Riverside. She was kind enough to always make herself available for advice whenever asked. 

When Bill graduated college, he and I got into an argument, over my new Christian faith. The argument lead to a fight. We were both black belts. Neither of us left the fight badly hurt but we were both bruised and bloody. Needless to say, we drifted apart as friends. Marilyn would have no part of that so we decided to go to lunch once a month. She would give me the motherly advice I needed. In fact, she gave me a list of things I needed to buy from the store (mostly cleaning supplies) when I had my first apartment. Unfortunately, our friendship too waned over the years and we lost touch.

Out of the blue, I received a call with the caller shouting, “Is this that goody-goody Christian, Brett Stacy?” I sheepishly responded yes. It was Bill and he announced that he, and his entire family were now “goody-goody” Christians. 

We had a great time catching up and made plans to get together. Several days later he called me back and announced that his mom, Marilyn was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and if I wanted to see her, it would need to be quickly.

Marilyn lived in the same house Bill and his brother grew up in. There were numerous people already at the house. Bill told me that at his mothers request, he was calling to schedule appointments will all of Marilyn’s friends, neighbors and coworkers. When my appointment time came up I walked back into Maralyn’s bedroom. I had watched my mother die of breast cancer so I thought I was prepared. Marilyn was in bed, very frail and soft spoken. I gently hugged her and she began telling me about her savior, Jesus. The smile on her face…the joy in her speech was amazing. Each time I tried asking about her she either asked about me or turned the conversation to Jesus and all the marvelous things he was doing in her life. 

Before I knew it, Bill walked in and told me that my time was up. I was a bit startled but he said there were other people waiting to see Marilyn. So, I said my goodbyes, gave her a hug and kiss and said I’d be back to visit again. 

Marilyn loved Jesus and was looking forward to her homecoming in heaven. She wanted to tell as many people as she could about her relationship with Christ and how they could become part of the family. She told everyone that she couldn’t change the first chapter of her life (before she became a Christian) but she could certainly make a positive difference in the her second chapter (after receiving Christ).

How many people she led to the Lord on her death bed, and many seeds she planted and were then watered by someone else, I don’t know. I will have the privilege of seeing Marilyn again because I’m part of the family of God. When that time comes, I will see all those I’ve led to the Lord who have gone before me and those that are there because of the seeds I planted. it will be a great homecoming celebration with Jesus at the center.

When the time comes and you embrace eternity, what kind of a homecoming will it be for you?