Making the 100th Birthday Party

I was determined to go to this party as soon as I received the church bulletin.  It was Mary's 100th birthday and I wanted to wish her the best.  I had not seen her in a few years since she had gone to a retirement home to live and I knew none of her family.  But it did not matter.  I wanted to tell her, if I had the chance, thank you for what she had taught me as a young mother in the church we both attended.  So I went!  And I just meant to sign the guest book and not intrude in making conversation with people who did not know me at all.

But, all of a sudden, she was sitting in her wheel chair just in front of me and we were practically alone.  I had no idea whether she would know me or whether she knew anyone.  But I leaned down and told her who I was and she said quickly, "Oh Jane, I have not seen you in so long  and I am so happy that you came today!"  I said to her,  "I am so happy that I had the chance to tell you how much I learned from you as we worked together."  Then others crowded in and I moved out of her sight so she could talk with others.  But for one moment, I saw her grin as I thanked her for her witness and I was so happy that I had made the effort to come and say something to her.

Mary was not recognized by practically anyone as a leader in the church.  She served on some committees (not the really important ones) and I never heard her speak up at any business meeting.  But I felt her presence among us as we debated issues and when she whispered to me that this was the right move, I knew we were on solid ground.  Mary was a giant in my eyes, then and now. 

At age 100, I wanted her to know that!  Psalm 22:25 sums up her life to me:  "The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.  They still bear fruit in an old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in him."

Happy 100th Birthday, Mary!  You are, indeed, a Saint!