… in your presence there is fullness of joy; … pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

To me, he was simply “Mr. Henry.” There every Sunday — second row, aisle seat — attentive throughout, later smiling and laughing as folks gravitated toward him. I couldn’t yet possibly grasp this elder’s enduring imprint on my faith life.

He ultimately became a personal affirmation of the Psalmist’s proclamation: Wherever God is, joy abounds. While aging brings about many changes, the essential ingredient to a joy-filled life remains: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). God uses people of all ages to enrich one another’s faith journeys. Among them are those, like Mr. Henry, whose faithfulness and joy-filled countenances endure and inspire until called home to Paradise. May they, like the God to whom they devote their lives, forever remain a constant presence among us all.

Robert Stephens
Glen Allen, VA

Loving God, thank You for every saint You have placed along my path. Amen.

Reflect: Reach out to let those enhancing your faith walk know of his or her influence.

Read: Psalm 98:1-9 and John 15:7-11