Incomparable Free Gift

I was on my way driving with one young lady I was bringing to her 3-d ultrasound, when a second one who I was meeting there called me.
"I'm in the hospital," she told me, "I might be in labor."
Both these young women were "saves" from the abortion mill- who chose life for their babies due to the presence and urging of the Cities4life sidewalk counselors. I have mentored and loved both these women for several months now. Both are due within 8 weeks, but still, 8 weeks early is too early to be in labor!

"But I don't want to miss my ultrasound," she lamented. She had been so excited about it, and her first one had not produced very clear pictures, "I prayed that Jesus would stop the pain which was unbearable...and as soon as I arrived here at the hospital, it stopped. So I might still be able to come."
I told her the woman, "L", in the car with me could have the first appointment, and by then, maybe "A" would be able to make it for the second appointment time, depending on what happened at the hospital. Long story short, it was a kidney stone, which "A" seemed to have miraculously and quickly passed...right when she prayed. She made it in time for the second appointment.


After the joy of seeing the two babies on the 3-d ultrasound, L and I continued on driving for another hour to visit her beloved sister in college. L's family struggles for even basic needs, thus the gas money or bus fare to visit her favorite and sorely missed sister was out of the question. Since I was already halfway there by driving her the hour to the ultrasound, I offered to go the extra hour so L could spend the day with her sister while I hung out at the college. L was ecstatic. Unfortunately, I had tossed and turned all night. I was operating on little sleep. I hoped I would not be too weary since I would be wandering about the unfamiliar city all day, and then driving home at night. I am not a night owl in the best of circumstances.

Over the months of knowing L, we have had many discussions about God, chastity, sanctity of life, and future goals. I am always impressed by her. Though I am much older (and presumably wiser,) I always expect to bless her with my wisdom. Instead, she always asks such pointed insightful questions with such sincere honesty and understanding, that I am the blessed one! Last weekend, I had shared the Gospel with her and she listened and thanked me, but did not make any commitment to God.

On the drive, I asked her if she had thought about all we had talked about God.
"Yes," she told me, "I did think about it."
"What did you decide?"
"That I want to start following God and go to church."
"Would you like me to pray with you to accept Jesus now?" I asked, feeling much calmer than I had envisioned I would, should this moment ever come.
"Yes," she said firmly.
So zooming along the interstate, we prayed together ( I kept my eyes open.) This sweet woman who 3 months ago was ready to abort her child, prayed to Jesus, asking Him to be Lord of her life from that moment forward.

While she spent the day at the college with her sister, I wandered for hours around the campus. I was elated, my spirit buoyant as I relived the indescribable miracle of a new child entering the kingdom of God. I meandered over every path and sidewalk,  delightedly exploring, when I chanced upon an art museum. "Open and Free to the Public!" said a sign on the door. An artist myself, I gladly went in. I knew since it was free, it would likely not be very good, with only second-rate art. There was not another soul in the place, save the person at the information desk. He directed me upstairs to three small galleries that were open.

I walked in to a room filled with lithographs and drawings by Henri Matisse! If you don't know art, you may not know Matisse but he is ONLY one of the greatest artists of the 20th century! He is one of my very favorites but I am not sure I have EVER seen a live Matisse painting, let alone a roomful of them! And it was free! This magnificent room filled with such beauty and glorious creativity and joyous talent...totally free!!! I sat all alone in the center of the gallery gazing about me with rapturous joy and realized how this was the perfect symbol for my wonderful day.This museum was free, yet filled with priceless art which made me feel like weeping with appreciation and awe. Likewise, the  free and utterly magnificent priceless gift of God's salvation and love had been accepted by a poor, young woman with nothing to offer in return but her adoration.

Who would think such an incomparable gift in either case would be free?

Any weariness or fatigue I might have felt had long since vanished. Besides, on the 2 hour drive home, L talked without pausing to breathe as far as I could tell. I just smiled, and listened, feeling a quiet, deep contentment.

********************
charlottecities4life.org is in dire need of individual mentors, as well as churches willing to disciple and mentor the young women who choose life for their unborn babies. Please contact lisametzger@cities4life.org . It is the most heart-warming ministry on earth, changing lives one saved baby at a time.
*******************

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭17‬ NIV)