Traffic was non-existent as we took a long Sunday drive down to south Griffin. The sun blazed in the clear blue skies but the early fall weather (early for Georgia anyway) brought a chilly breeze and cool crisp air. It truly was a perfect day. We pulled into the driveway of the Holloway home and my heart filled with anticipation. Seth, Jocelyn and I walked up to the door and gave it a subtle knock. We were received by a beautiful young girl and escorted to her father's room. John, the Bishop over our church only a short four years ago, now lay in a hospital bed with a home nurse at his side. A severe stroke put him in this state, causing a loss of speech, a brain bleed that brought on the removal of half his skull, as well as a clot that led to a partial leg amputation. What this horrible inncident did NOT take, besides some of the obvious things such as the ability to sustain life and understand others, was his joy and peace. His countenance proved this truth as our entrance into his world was met with a smile a million miles long which spread across his gleaming face. He muttered words we could not understand and held out his hand for us to take as a greeting. The expression of happiness continued as my husband administered communion. After receiving the elements, he gave us a blessing with the sign of the cross and as I went over by his side to say my farewell, he took my hand, pulled me in, and kissed my cheek. While the visit was short, it will be a memory I hold forever and though the intention of our visit was to bless him, I believe the greater blessing was given to us.
This man, whose life changed in an instant, who could have easily fallen into depression and given up on life a long time ago has chosen not to sell his peace for despair, has chosen to count it all joy, and has chosen to keep on following after God's own heart no matter what the circumstances. May it always be a reminder that no matter what may come, joy is always available in the side of the Lord.
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