What a Wonderful Life!

I was reminded today that I have been a Christian for 35 years! It just seems like yesterday that I went to hear a group of "Jesus People" who had been invited to sing at a small Baptist Church just around the corner from where I lived in downtown Toronto. Many of my friends and I had been searching for some kind of meaning in life. Questions like, "Who am I?" "Why am I here?" and "Does life have any meaning?" were a constant part of our conversation. Of course, like many others in the late 1960s and early 1970s we listened to the Beatles and Bob Dylan, and many others, hoping to find some kind of answer to our questions. Many tried eastern religions or immersed themselves in philosophical thought and discussion. But all of it was to no avail.

I remember going to hear the group of young people who had traveled from Louisiana to Toronto. I had never seen people who were so happy! And so, after the concert was over they asked if I would like to join them for prayer in the basement of the church. As I look back, I am forever thankful that I said yes instead of "playing it cool" and saying I didn't believe in that sort of stuff. And so, about twenty of us joined hands to pray. One by one each person took turns praying, and for me, the whole expereince was extraordinary. The people in that room seemed as if they really knew the Person they were talking to. It wasn't like they were talking to a God who was a million miles away. Instead, it seemed as if they were talking to Someone who was right there in that room!

Suddenly, it was as if God walked into that little Sunday School classroom for me! Even though I didn't say anything, I knew that because He had come for me, my life would never be the same again. I remember that night as I went home that everything was different. The trees were greener! The flowers were more colourful! The sun was brighter! Everything took on a new look because I was seeing it all with new eyes! How thankful I am for that day. But also, how thankful I am for my life with Christ since that day. Over 35 years, I can truly say, "It has been a wonderful life!"