God has a plan, He will keep putting the people you need in your life, some will be lifelong friends and some will be for reason, Love them while you can and never forget them - Karen Kostyla

(Me and Stephen on his last day. )
"I wonder how many people I've looked at all my life and never seen."
John Steinbeck


This week I said good-bye to a special friend. We met about 2 years ago (I think) and in that span of time he taught me much about being thankful in all things. I never saw him without a smile on his face. Even when he came to tell me his time was up and he was very distraught because he grew to care for and love us all.

Stephen shared his sweet spirit and beautiful soul with us every day.  Sometimes, his smile was all it took to minister to others. You may have read about him here but what I  had written previously, doesn't even encompass the love of people and the ministry he shared with us daily.

I wish we had more time but, sometimes the Lord moves and tells us our time is up, it's time to shine elsewhere.

I believe that's just what he'll do.

You may look at someone working as a janitor and think they're less than because they aren't as educated or well off. I pray that this will change your heart.

I've never met someone that cleaned bathrooms, break rooms, and emptied trash with such passion and purpose. All to God's glory.

Most people would only get to have about 30 seconds of contact with him each day but he made those 30 seconds count. As I've said before, Stephen would shine so brightly, in an instant a scowling sourpuss would actually smile back and their tune would change. All because he genuinely cared. "How are you?" Emphasizing the 'you'. He would ask.

I loved talking with him about God and his great grace. One day he started to preach a little to me as he was emptying my waste basket. He was getting so excited and that light was just pouring out like sunbeams. I laughed and said if you're not careful, we're going to have church this morning!

I had shared with him about my Dad's health when he had his stroke and more recently when he had his pacemaker put in.
God love him, he asked me to write Dad's name down for him and he would take it to church. They were having a prayer meeting that weekend. He was always asking about Dad and Mom.
They are now praying for each other and have never met! That, my friends, is the love of Christ. And I can't wait to introduce them when we all get to heaven!

Before he left Friday afternoon, he came back by and we exchanged a hug. He said (in his sweet Ugandan accent) "I am leaving now, it is time. Goodbye." I said "I believe we'll meet again someday." He nodded and smiled that beautiful smile one last time before he walked away.

I believe God used him to touch many lives. To show us the love of Christ and be the hands and feet of Jesus.  To always be thankful in ALL things.          

When Monday rolls around there will be a new janitor trying to fill his enormous shoes. It's going to be hard but I'm so thankful I got to know him.

And so I leave you with this: Philippians 1:3-6 GNB

I thank my God for you every time I think of you; and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy because of the way in which you have helped me in the work of the gospel from the very first day until now. And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus.

Linking up with Holley Gerth at Coffee for your heart, and the The Faith Barista 21 days of rest
  


6 Comments

  1. Hi Krista, I tried to leave a comment but I'm not sure it posted so I'll leave it again! lol :) I found you at the link up! Your post touched me because I am headed back to work in a few weeks and am encouraged to make my interactions count for Christ! Thank you!

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  2. Thank you Mindy for stopping by. I'm praying for you as you return to work. Let your light shine! :)
    Blessings,
    Krista

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  3. Awesome! May we all strive to shine like that!

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    1. Thank you! Yes, shine as bright as the sun! :)
      Blessings,
      Krista

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  4. Beautiful post Krista! Thanks for the reminder and encouragement that everything we do matters and is a witness to the love of Jesus inside us!

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    1. Thank you Kendra!
      So glad you stopped by. :)
      Be blessed,
      Krista

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