A Happy Heart

Jill was a dear friend of mine and later when I married her brother, Jim, she became my sister-in-law.

Jill told me about a time in her life that was very difficult and I have never forgotten it nor has anyone else, especially her family.

She was a young mother with five children ranging from newborn and the other four ages 7, 8, 9, 10. She was recently divorced, in a new town where she didn't know anyone and living in a small house. Her child support payments never came on time or not at all and because of her recent move, Jill did not have a job. Jill earned her living in her home taking care of children along with her own family and she had not had the opportunity to make the contacts she needed through local churches and newspaper.

The family had just finished the last food they had in the house and there was no money to buy more. Jill had no money for baby formula, diapers, or food. She asked the older children to sit down with her on the floor, hold hands and pray, asking God in faith to supply their needs. They asked God specifically for formula, diapers and food.

Twenty minutes after they finished praying the doorbell rang. On the porch was two bags with baby formula, diapers and enough food for several days.

In the days that followed, Jill asked her neighbors (who she didn't really know very well yet) if they had left the bags of food and baby supplies or had seen anyone who might have put them on the porch. No one knew anything about it.

An immediate, direct answer to prayer? Jill's sons and daughters are all grown up, married with children of their own and they still talk about that day they had the faith to ask God to supply their needs and He did right away.

Are all prayers answered as quickly and this one. No, they are not. But, I believe, they are answered in many different ways that are possibly better or at different times. The key is trusting and believing that God knows what you really need,when you need it. The Bible tell us that God knows what we need, even before we ask. We don't need to tell Him how or who will supply the need. Words to the Wise are Ask, Wait and Trust...otherwise you may miss an opportunity to know and experience God's unfailing love for you.

 We need to ask and ask believing God will do what is best for you. Jill walked and talked it every day. Jill had a rock bottom faith that she lived, That didn't mean she didn't sometimes get irritated, angry, hurt, frustrated, say things she wished she hadn't, like we as humans do. She knew who to go to for forgiveness, and sometimes had questions like we all do!

Jill's constant and faithful prayer life and her ongoing study of God's Word; her trust and faith in God and His love for her were the shining example she lived before her family and friends as she went through good times, bad times and all the in-between times of life, The babies and toddlers of working parents she cared for during those early years are a part of many teenagers, college students and many others who are married and have children of their own now.  She was always willing to provide food for those in need, she was excellent listener and gave compassionate responses. Many people received cards of encouragement and love from her – just when they were needed.

Some of Jill’s not so good times were her battles with diabetes, her knees that needed to be replaced more than once and finally, an eight months battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) which took her life. Through all of this, Jill maintained her joyful, positive attitude and her unfailing trust in God.

Along with this was her marvelous sense of humor. When you were with Jill, there would always be a time when you would end up laughing. Not a polite little chuckle but a bring tears to your eyes, side splitting, knee slapping, almost rolling on the floor laughter that made you catch your breath and it felt so good!

One Thanksgiving Eve, Jill and I helped to deliver Thanksgiving Baskets of food to people who needed help. Both Jill and I were not as young and able as we had once been. The last apartment where we made a delivery was up a very long set of stairs. When we got to the address, we noticed several food baskets lined up in the hallway. We knocked on the door and a middle-age man opened the door a crack and said, “Just put the boxes in the hallway with the others” and slammed the door in our faces.

We said, “OK, God Bless You” put the boxes at the end of the line and nearly raced down the stairs with tears, and I have to admit, some laughter at his unusual response. But we stopped and prayed, too, Thanking God for the abundance of food the family had been given and which they could surely use, no matter the circumstances they were in.

The Bible says in Proverbs: “A Happr what they Heart Makes The Face Cheerful.” The Jill we all knew had a happy heart and a wonderfully cheerful face.

Jill’s husband, daughters, sons and grandchildren experienced much joy during happy times and all other times when Jill was able to bring on the laughter – no matter what was going on. And speaking of grandchildren – Jill’s joy, delight and pride was unsurpassed in talking about her grandchildren. In fact, Jill and I could put other people to sleep just bragging about our grandchildren – unless of course, they had grandchildren too, and wanted to join in.

Everyone who ever met Jill, miss her (she was the sister I never had). We will miss the things we treasure about her. But until that day when we meet again in Glory, I will try to remember a quote I read recently “Death like life, Is a Gift of God.: