Some individuals have never known or attempted to understand how God can help them in their lives. I’ve known those who haven’t even tried to find out. Recently, a friend came to me after church and said, “Sometime, let’s talk. I have something to share with you. It’s about what started me on a path for letting God help me when I was a little child.”

When we arranged a time, Maggie shared this story.

“When I was a very young child, my father disappeared from the family. I was not told anything about where he was or why he left. It felt terrible to be an only child, left out of adult conversations, unable to interact so as to understand. I had no comprehension of what would come next in life except it would probably be the same ol’ same ol’ as yesterday. I was lonely, having only adults around me.

One day, I was invited to attend Sunday school by a neighboring family. There had not been any mention of God or church during my early years, but I went anyway.

It was so nice to be with this group of kids. We listened to the Bible story the teacher was sharing. We were about to finish when she asked the class to bow our heads, close our eyes and talk with God.

I thought doubtfully to myself, “Oh, I’m sure that’s going to work with kids like us!”

Then the teacher, who happened to be the pastor’s wife, said, “I talk to God while sweeping the floor.”

Wow! A light bulb turned on! And, as the little girl, nine years old, I told myself, ‘this is great! I can talk to God.’

From then on I often talked to God. At times, in the evenings, I rode my bike up to a bridge nearby to watch the sunset and talk with God. Although I could not see Him, I knew He was right there with me. It was all so inspiring!

Faith took root for me and it has lasted throughout my entire life. Even today, I still cherish a mental picture of the Sunday school teacher sweeping her floor while being in close communication with God.”

It sounds so simple. And, how true it is that coming to know God and the help He brings to a person is not at all hard. It is something amazing. In fact Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 18:3)

It takes laying down our self-assuredness and saying, “I need your help,” for God to come onboard with daily, comfortable communing within one’s life. He doesn’t take from our lives, but rather He greatly enhances us through “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7). Maggie found that.

Married at age 26, God has gifted her with three children and two grandchildren with whom she shares her faith. Now, in her mid-90s, Maggie is one of the most interactive and intelligent women any of us can meet. She shines in personality as her faith in and enjoyment of God is her obvious mainstay.

I originally met Maggie in our church congregation. Until more recently, she was telephoning periodically, aligned teams within the church laity who are trained to serve in rotation during the distribution of communion during our services. Still at work advancing our Lord’s call, Maggie is a “prayer warrior” within the church, working with a list of names she keeps at her bedside. A love of life—and a love for God and others is what stands out with this friend. Maggie spreads a little light and love wherever she goes.