Life Changers 2

I was reminded this weekend, while spending time with my family for our Christmas celebration, that being a life-changer is usually, but not always, simply a result of being there for someone at a time they need you. I hope my daughter, Laura, does not mind that I use one of our past experiences as an example of how this simple principle opens up opportunities to be a life-changer.

A few years ago I had a medical emergency one evening when everyone, except Laura, was at Christmas parties away from our home. Laura chose to spend the evening with me, going to a movie and then hanging out at home afterwards. This was one of the pivotal events in my life. Laura had no intentions of stepping in and being a life-changer. She obviously did not set out to be a life-changer. She just wanted to spend time with her daddy. I had some kind of strange reaction to some food probably. It caused my throat to swell up to the point that I was barely able to breath. I was able to explain what was going on to Laura. She initially called my wife. Then when the breathing became more difficult, she called 911. Before the ambulance arrived I felt I might pass out. So I asked Laura if she would pray for me. She gently hugged me and said a simple prayer, "God, will you help my Daddy." God answered that prayer immediately. The swelling didn't just start to go away. It was over as if it never happened. By the time the ambulance arrived, I was back to normal. They measured my oxygen levels and they were normal. After transport to the emergency room, the ER doctor could find no problems. I believe that God did listen to Laura's prayer for me and decided to answer it.

There was preparation for this event that Laura had some control over. She had been for a long time very close to me. She always helped me whenever I ask her, if at all possible, even with hard tasks. She obviously loved me very much for a long time. And she stayed in touch with me and stayed close to the Lord. Staying in close touch with God and others may be the most important preparation anyone can do to for such life-changing opportunities. Having ongoing and healthy relationships, based on regular communication and spending time with people, is what sets us up to do life-changing actions like this.

I know that someday I will die and then live again. I am less afraid of that pending future event because of what happened when my daughter and God intervened to prevent that from happening. There are a few others who follow this blog who may remember this event as well. I know several of you were praying for me during this emergency. I thank you for doing that, for staying close to me and God. Keep on doing that with as many people as possible.

Remember the most important commands. Love God with your whole being and love others as yourself. Sounds too simple to matter. But in reality it is all that matters.