International Intrigue and a Dirty Old Truck

This past Saturday was one of those days that just leave me basking in the glory of God. You know what I'm talking about? It was one of those days that God chose to put person after person in front of me that pointed to His grace and love and impact and sheer power.

After starting the day at a men's ministry breakfast (which featured Kenny Thorne - Georgia Tech Men's Tennis coach who was incredible!), I met with a friend of mine. I baptized him a year or so ago at the age of 81. I have often remembered him weeping as we came up out of the water together. The experience was so moving for him - and thus for me as well. On Saturday, he told me his story.

The man is the most accomplished and trusted consultant in the area of International Security in the United States - if not the entire world. He told me (a little) of lives saved and catastrophes averted. He told me (again, a little) of high stakes negotiations. He is trusted by men, companies, and governments all over the planet. His has been a life lived, more or less, undercover. Just as I was awash in a sea of intrigue, he told me this story.

He said, "I was in my car one day, trying to maneuver around a large, dirty truck in front of me. I couldn't get around it. Every time I would try to pass, the truck would move into a spot directly in front of me." "After awhile," he said, "I noticed something written in the dirt and grime on the back of that truck. In perfect letters were the words Jesus Loves You." My friend began to sob, openly and uncontrollably, as he said, "David, I have witnessed and been involved in things that most men can only imagine. However, in all my life and in all my exploits, I have never encountered anything that stopped me in my tracks like the truth of those words...Jesus Loves You." "My life changed forever."

That was some 15 years ago. Still today, he sobs...without shame...as he too basks in the glory of God...and His grace, and love, and impact and sheer power.

Wow.