LOVE MADE VISIBLE
Posted by: bigguyhereagain <bigguyhereagain@...>
"Who is responsible for this?" the pastor asked. "I can't
believe that no one has taken care of it. I have been getting
phone calls for two days. I didn't know what to tell them."
For longer than anyone can remember the old Gospel Church
atop the hill in Reddington Valley served as a beacon for those
who were lost. Not just spiritually but even as a landmark for
giving directions.
"Turn down Main Street and head toward the brightest star
in the sky. You can't miss it," a traveler would hear.
You see, on top of the old church steeple was a big bright
star. It was all one piece and lighted by a huge light bulb.
They actually had placed it up there as part of a Christmas
display and never took it down.
But two days ago the bulb burned out.
The entire town was lost without it. It seemed that the locals
were all turned about at night. The confusion started when
someone passing through happened to stop the mayor to
ask for directions.
"I looked up and pointed to the star. It wasn't there.
Thinking I was facing the wrong way, I turned around looking
for it but couldn't find it," he said. "I think that guy is
still riding around town."
Soon the phone started ringing at the old Gospel Church.
People wanted to know what happened.
The problem was even the Pastor didn't know.
That star was just always there. He had no idea who kept
it lit or where the light bulbs were. That is, until the phone
rang late that afternoon.
"Pastor, I'm hoping you can help us," the man said. "This
is Police Chief Robertson. We just got back from the Delaney
house. We found old Jim Delaney dead. It seems he's been
dead about two days."
"I'm sorry. I must tell you that I'm not familiar with the
man," the Pastor said.
"No one seems to be," the Chief replied. "There are no
known relatives or friends available."
"Well, if it's a burial service you are looking for, I'd be
pleased to do it," said the Pastor.
"That would be great. But there is something else. I'd like
for you to come by in about an hour if you can. The house
is up the dirt road on Bishop's Hill across the valley from
your church."
"I'll be there," he replied.
The Pastor arrived just as Chief Robertson pulled in. "What
is it you wanted me to see, Chief?"
"Come inside. I think you'll need this stuff."
As they entered the home you could see stacks of unopened
mail along with various books scattered about.
"Over here, Pastor. I believe this is for you."
There on the mantle of the fireplace was a box with a small
white envelope attached. It said "From the star keeper to
The Gospel Church
The note inside it read:
To whom it may concern:
Back in 1950 my beautiful wife Mildred became ill. We could
not afford to place her in a home so for her remaining months
on this earth, I took care of her. Before her illness she
attended your church every Sunday. It was so very frustrating
for her not to be able to, once she got sick. But every
Sunday I would position her on the front porch so that she
could see the church across the valley.
It was that Christmas someone placed a star on the steeple.
Every night Mildred would say her prayers while gazing out
at that star. I had just pushed her chair over to the window
that night. She was barely able to breathe. As I pulled the
shade up I heard her quietly say, "The star. The star is
gone." As I turned around she slumped over with one last
sigh. The star indeed was not lit that night.
After her burial I approached the Pastor and made a deal
with him. I agreed to keep the star lit for as long as I am
alive as a memorial to my wife. So many people had loved
that image during the holidays that he agreed to it.
I am near my journey's end. The church can sell my property
and all I own in exchange for a favor. I have provided
enough light bulbs in this box to keep the star lit a few
more years. The key to the church door is inside this
envelope. Please find someone who can take on the task of
keeping the star lit after my death. I loved my wife so very
much. I want that star to serve as an example of what love
can be.
You can say you love someone, but it's not until you show
it, that love is made visible.
Jim Delaney
"When did you say he died, Chief?"
"Two days ago according to the coroner."
"That's when the star burned out, Chief."
The pastor looked down for a moment, then looked back up.
"Consider it done, Mr. Delaney," said the Pastor. "Consider
it done!"
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Last week I threw out Worrying,
It was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me;
I couldn't do things my way.
I threw out those Inhibitions;
They were just crowding me out.
Made room for my New Growth,
Got rid of my old dreams and doubts.
I threw out a book on My Past
(didn't have time to read it anyway)
Replaced it with New Goals,
Started reading it today.
I threw out childhood toys
Remember how I treasured them so?
Got me a new Philosophy too,
Threw out the one from long ago
Brought in some new books too,
Called I Can, I Will, and I Must.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
Wow! You should've seen the dust.
I picked up this special thing
And placed it at the front door.
I Found It - its called Peace
Nothing gets me down anymore.
Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place
For things like Worry and Trouble
There just isn't any place.
Its good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the old things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter
Thank you God for cleaning up myself.
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PRAYER
Dear God:
I want to thank you for what you have already done. I am
not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards,
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look
better, I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or
until they stop talking about me, I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears,
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves,
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the
house is quiet, I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until
I get a job, I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience
in my life that has caused me pain or grief, I am going thank
you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the
challenges are removed. I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive.
I am thanking you because I made it through the day's
difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity
to do more and do better.
I am thanking you because you have not given up on me.
God is just so good, and he's good all the time. Continue to
THANK HIM "For He will command His angels concerning you,
to guard you in all your ways". Psalm 91:11 NRSV
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Have a Blessed Day
Dave and Barbara
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