Thursday Thought “Lord, I’m Available!”
My husband and I are in a season when we attend more services celebrating the earthly conclusion of friends’ lives than we do weddings, which mark the new season of a couple’s commitment to marriage; or baby showers when friends and family excitedly await brand-new-baby beginnings. Truly, I appreciate every celebration ...
Recently, Ron and I attended the memorial service of a friend named Bill. Bill was one of those particularly unique individuals who managed to display humility while simultaneously exerting power and great influence, a humble giant one might say.
Bill had an illustrious career in a highly competitive industry, and his diligence was rewarded financially. Yet, he loved the simple joys of life and was exceedingly generous to not only his family but in countless other ways. I was the recipient of Bill and his wife, Sharon’s generosity more than once!
Bill didn’t come to Christian faith until he was in his mid-20’s, but when he became convinced Jesus was who scripture declared him to be, Bill was all in! Until the very end, his commitment never wavered, and impressively, each of his seven children followed in the footsteps of their father’s authentic faith.
What touched—as well as challenged—me most at Bill’s service was the repeated mention of this man’s simple and consistent prayer through some 60 years of walking with Jesus,
“I’m available!”
Curiosity grew as I thought about the simplicity of this prayer, so I did what I often do. I typed in a question for A.I. (with as much detail as possible, which I’ve been told is vitally important): My question this time was: what are passages of scripture in which a person told god in essence, i'm available?
Here is an example of one of A.I. Overview’s answers:
“2. 1 Samuel 3:10
The Person: Samuel (as a young boy).
The Essence: God calls Samuel's name in the night. Instructed by the priest Eli, Samuel responds: "Speak, for your servant hears."
Why it fits: This demonstrates a posture of humble attention and readiness to receive and obey whatever instruction God is about to give.”
Other examples were of Isaiah in Isaiah 8:6; Mary, the mother of Jesus in Luke 1:38; Saul in Acts 9:6; and the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1.
A.I. didn’t include what I believe is the most important “I’m available” prayer ever uttered. Jesus, after agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night he was betrayed and arrested, prayed, “… not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 (ESV)
In a sermon at our home church the day after Bill’s memorial service, Pastor Andrew relayed a quote that went something like this: When I die, I want to look more like my choices than my parents. I couldn’t help but think about the memorial service we’d attended a few hours earlier and the choices Bill made.
Throughout significant and formative years, his consistent, intentional choices included faithfulness, humility, and generosity. (Oh, yeah, also an unwavering love of sports and loyalty to his home state Minnesota Vikings!)
And it seems as if these choices—at least the most critical ones—may have all begun with the simple prayer of surrender, “I’m available.”
My Prayer After Bill’s Memorial Service
Jesus, first, thank you for saying, “I’m available” to your Heavenly Father.
Also, I want to thank you for the gift of celebrations;
Births, when the dewy newborn scent reminds me
Earthly days have a promising beginning.
Weddings, when I rejoice
In a couple’s commitment to “oneness.”
Finally, thank you for solemn ceremonies
Marking the end of one’s earthly journey;
When the essence of a life lived
Is synthesized into milestones; stories;
memories; and legacies.
For whatever days remain in my earthly journey,
Enable me to live well, to love lavishly,
And choose to pray always, “Lord, I’m available!”
Amen
Blessings on your journey,
