slower today

It was obvious to me from the first syllables out of his mouth that the suspicions had to be true. The slightly slurred speech from my grandpa's lips gave away the effects of the slight stroke that he had during a surgery about ten days ago. When I walked into his hospital room he was reading his Bible and on the desk were his outdated cell phone and an "Amazing Grace" gospel tract. It's always the "Amazing Grace" gospel tracts with him. "They're great conversation starters," he begins, "everyone knows Amazing Grace."

Normally they're not sitting on the hospital tray, though, they're in his left front pocket. I'd never carry anything in my left front pocket...it's not cool...but when I think about it the pants pocket with the keys and spare change doesn't make sense. No one wants to read a crinkled tract. The front left shirt pocket is the most logical decision, and grandpa's never been about being cool. He's always been about sharing Jesus with everyone he meets. Jesus changed his life and by golly if grandpa isn't going to make sure everyone he meets isn't at least introduced to this Jesus he follows.

Our conversation took several great turns and we talked about what God is doing in our lives and about church and about grandma, but grandpa always asks about sharing Jesus with others. "who's the last one you witnessed to?" or "Do you go on visitation at your church?"

I've usually got a story to tell about how I've shared what I believe with someone else, but grandpa does it every day his story is almost always fresh from that week. My thought is that his way isn't the most effective way. My thought is that the gospel isn't best shared using the methods that grandpa uses, but you know what? Faithfulness to Jesus is the best way. Sharing the truth and furthering the kingdom of God in the best way that you know how and being passionate and fervent about it is what living here is supposed to be about.

My Grandpa loves Jesus and it looks different than what I picture Christianity to be. But my grandpa is a man of God. He's one who gives his greatest effort to shadowing his best friend, Jesus. I am grateful for every minute I've ever had with him, and I pray that God will give me many more amazing conversations with him, even if they are a bit slower and somewhat slurred.