Arthur Carpenter

I have been a church-goer all my life, as my wife was. She WAS a christian, both in spirit and in fact. For sixty years she was my guiding light. Then she was diagnosed with cancer. We fought it as long as possible, then she went into hospice. At the end, she was joyous. In her words, "I can't wait to see Jesus face to face!"

As far as myself, I was angry at God. All the prayer from hundreds, maybe thousands, of people had come to naught. I was most despondent and alone.

After a few weeks of this and in deep depression there was a sudden change. I was preparing my lesson plan for bible study, which I lead, when suddenly I paused. My brain was suddenly filled with a message, as follows: Art, during the last days, you promised Ruth that you would do your utmost to follow her example of faith and of following Christ. She was totally outgoing and thinking of others, never of herself! She walked the walk. You, on the other hand, are thinking of nothing at this time other than how much you are in pain. Try to change your perspective and, in fact, follow her example.

I suddenly was enveloped in a warm glow of emotion and I asked myself how I could help others. I started a survivor support group in our church, which is very successful. Now we are carrying this out into our community. It is open to anyone who is grieving. There are other things we are planning to implement in the outreach area.

But, what I really wanted to say is that I now know the truth. I will never stop missing my wife. I long for her. Yet, now I wake up with eagerness and joy, thinking of the work I have to do, while following Jesus footsteps. And, of course, seeking God's help in staying on that path.

January 17 2017 • Report