Could you use a little taste of heaven today? You should know that I always change the names of the people in my stories when they are about my job...
"This I command you:love one another." John 15:12-17
I’ve often heard of beautiful places, places lush with greenery, flowers and sunshine, described as heaven on earth. And, when you are in such a place, it’s easy to feel that this is true. But, it’s not so often that you hear of places described as heaven on earth where financial hardship, homelessness and struggle for survival are a daily reality. I would like to share a story where someone in this difficult situation proved to me, that heaven is everywhere, as long as we believe in God and follow His will.
Since the acronym WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children, our normal clientele that we see in our WIC clinic are women and children, obviously. So, it is a bit unusual, although not unheard of, to see men bringing children in for appointments. But one man in particular, stands out in my mind as being the most unusual, and the most heavenly, of all the men I have seen in our clinic.
He was middle-aged and very pleasant. In his arms, he held an adorable two-week old baby boy, Daniel. When he sat down, and began to tell his story, I immediately knew that I was in the presence of greatness.
Tony was the father of seven children, five sons and two daughters, who were growing into maturity very nicely under the care of their mother. He had a job as a chef in another state. His life was decent and normal by society’s standards. But now, something happened which drew him out of his normal world, and he reacted to it in a way that changed his life, and will most likely continue to change his life, forever.
His niece, Samantha, here in Wisconsin, had gotten herself into a bit of trouble and was incarcerated at a woman's prison in a nearby county. While in prison, she found out that she was pregnant. His sister refused to become involved or help in any way. Tony was angered by his sister’s reaction so much that he felt compelled to do something about it. He knew that the baby would require love and care that only a member of his family could provide. He was determined to see to it that Daniel was raised with love and values that would lead to a university degree and a successful life. So, he turned to God and prayed for help for this situation, and then allowed God to use him as an instrument of love to change Daniel’s world in a positive and wonderful way.
Tony quit his job, left his home and family, and moved here to Wisconsin to care for his new great-nephew. He brought this sweet little newborn baby to the WIC clinic to obtain formula and nutrition education to get him off to the best possible start in life. But more than the healthy food, Daniel is getting the best start in life because he is under the care of someone who loves him and wants the best for him and isn’t afraid to turn to God to help him attain his goals.
As I listened to his story, goose bumps arose on my arms, even though it was incredibly warm in my office. He allowed me to hold that sweet baby boy in my arms, and as I did, I was deeply moved. Although I know that God is present in everyone, I felt Him so profoundly in this baby. As I ran my fingers through his soft, rich, dark hair, I couldn’t keep myself from speaking to him about what I was feeling in my heart. I told him “Thank you for coming to me like this. Thank you for coming into my ordinary office on this ordinary day, and allowing me to hold you in my arms. I am so privileged to be here with you today, and I am sure that I will be forever changed because of it.”
This was an example of radical love at its finest, and I am so honored and privileged to have been the recipient of this story that inspires me to want to allow God to use me as well, to make a difference in others lives. I want to bring heaven to earth for others. I can’t imagine any other way to find deep satisfaction in life than by caring for others so much that I would willingly cast off my own cares, leave my worries behind, and follow the Lord.
May 15, 2009
