Touching Lives (Part 2)by Sherry Patterson  A few months ago, one of the ladies who works on my floor came into my office and announced to everyone that the previous evening she found herself stranded in a local parking lot. The battery of her car had died, her dog was distressed, and she was late for an important meeting. She asked three men to help her and everyone refused. One of the guys even told her that his car was worth over $50,000.00 and he could not use his new battery on such a task. Then along came a young man who saw that she was in trouble and offered to help. He got the battery started; she thanked him and offered to pay him for his kindness. He refused and went on his way. That young man was my son, Michael. She told me that she recognized him, but couldn't recall who he was until later that evening. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for him helping her out and thanked me as a parent for raising such a wonderful young man. She said that one day she hoped to have a son like him, repeatedly exclaiming "He helped me, I needed help and no one would help me, he helped me!"
Now, you know that I was beaming with pride after hearing that report. I had something to do with that! Has Michael been an easy “assignment,” so to speak? No. He and I have experienced some really intense moments and difficult days. But you know what? I would not trade him or his life and everything that comes with being Michael for a billion dollars. He's my son, my precious son, whom God gave to me twenty-two years ago. God had something in mind when He created Michael. As a parent, I still have the awesome opportunity to speak into his life the very life of our God. I know what God's heart is toward Michael and I want to see that he walks in and receives all that heaven has for him. So I continue praying, fasting, speaking words of life, hanging out with him, and encouraging him every opportunity I get. Michael’s time with me is almost up and I know it. Soon he will be gone into his own world and life and I wonder sometimes, “Who am I sending out into this world? Have I done all that I could have done with this life?” God has given each one of us divine, heaven-ordained assignments here on this earth. There are lives waiting to be touched by you. When we say “no” to God by procrastination or disobedience, we not only rob those lives of a heavenly change, we rob ourselves of the fulfillment of promise in our own lives. In touching lives we may never see the end result. We may intercede, take groceries, pick up something at the store that you know someone might like, mow a lawn, give a ride, care for someone's children to give them a break, or any number of things. You may never get a thank you, you may never see an outward change in that life. But it's not about what we see. I believe that each time a life is touched, there's a holy, invisible penetration. Our brother Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3 that one plants, another waters, but it's God who gives the increase. The life you touch today matters. You may not see anything happen. Then someone else comes along and continues in what you started. Inevitably one day, maybe months or even years from now, God moves on that stony heart and it becomes flesh! And just think, it all started with your act of kindness, your act of obedience. Know saints of God, that only what we do for Christ will last. Keep doing as God leads. Keep touching heaven every chance you get to make a change on this earth. For one day He will say to each of us who has heard and faithfully followed through, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling these small tasks, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Come, let's celebrate together!" What an awesome reward, and all because we allow Him to live through us and touch lives for His glory. | 
