Helen was in her eighties and celebrated her deep faith by attending church regularly. She prayed every day and loved others with passion. Her silver hair glowed, and she walked slowly.
Helen visited with her minister one day after church and said, “All my life I have prayed and gone to church and tried to help others. It has been a good life, even with the troubles I have had. But I have one question. I haven't really felt like I was seeing Jesus. I know He is with me and loves me, but I haven't had that one wonderful experience of feeling like I had seen Him. Is that because I don't have enough faith?” Helen’s hands trembled more than usual. She wasn't sure if she was ready for the answer she might get.
“Oh, Helen. Your faith is quite strong, and Jesus knows how you love Him. I am sure He is pleased and happy with you. The only thing I suggest is to keep your eyes and mind open to the possibility of having that awareness and feeling. I am sure it will happen.” He patted her wrinkled hand. “You have done nothing wrong.”
Helen felt a little better, yet she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d really have that experience before she died. At eighty-one, she figured she might see Jesus in heaven, before she ever saw Him on earth!
Three more years went by, and Helen tried to stay open to the possibility of seeing Jesus, but she felt discouraged. On Christmas Eve , she walked across the street toward the church, deep in thought. Squealing tires tore her from her reverie, but as she looked up, a car hit her. She recalled sailing through the air before she landed hard on the ground. “Somebody help me,” she managed to croak out.
Looking up through tears, she saw a man looking down and smiling at her. “Oh, Helen, you have waited a long time to see me, haven't you? I was there every day. I know how you have loved people and been so faithful to me. I want you to know you used the gifts I gave you well. I am so pleased with you.
It isn’t time to come home, yet, but remember, I am with you.”
Helen could not believe it! “Jesus, it is you! It is you!”
A bright light filled the sky; so bright, Helen had to shut her eyes tight. When she opened them, the light remained, but seemed a bit dimmer. When she focused, she realized she was staring at the light over her hospital bed.
No matter, Helen knew what she’d seen. She’d seen Jesus, and He waited to carry her home, some day.
