Meeting Mr. T

I met Mr. T in the grocery store last night. No, not that Mr. T (though last I heard, he was dating Carl's co-worker in Chicago.) This Mr. T didn't wear fancy bling and he wasn't part of the A team. In fact, he was on the "J" team. Walk with me......

While cruising the baking aisle, I noticed a very elderly gentleman in a kelly green (scout looking) suit. Immediately, I was impressed. Impressed by his stature (tall and straight for an elderly man) and impressed by his independence (doing his own shopping). As we passed, he stopped me.

T: "What a beautiful bunch of children you have."
Me: "Thank you."
T: "They really do grow up waaaay too quickly, you know."
Me: "Yes, sadly I'm realizing the time is truly flying by."
T: "Well, honestly? Nothing is more important for you and I, or for your children and my children than to be assured of our salvation because of what Jesus has done for us."
Me: Amen, brother. You're preachin' it to the choir now. "I couldn't agree more."
T: "So you're a believer? When did you accept Christ?"

I discuss my walk of faith with Mr. T for several minutes. He's old, but he isn't blind or naive. He wants to know if I'm just talking it out or truly walking it out. He's a man on a mission. ;)

T: "So many people claim to know Jesus as their Savior and yet they either do nothing at all to build a genuine relationship with him OR they miss God's free gift by trying to be good enough to work their way into Heaven."
Me: (choir still a shoutin' AMEN) "I understand what you're saying. God's word is very clear on this, if only some would read it for themselves and really SEE that the gift of salvation is FREE. I receive so much peace in knowing that Jesus did it all, that He said on the cross, "It is finished." And besides, I could never be good enough or work hard enough to earn my way into Heaven anyway. That's why I thank God every day for His free gift."

T and I continue our conversation about faith, his love of poetry (he gave me a copy of a poem he wrote) and his love of speaking at churches near and far. His speaking topic? Sharing the Gospel during all seasons of life (gotta love this guy).

He also told me his age.

88.

Mr. T, bold in his faith, tall in his stature, outgoing and warm in personality, and completely filled with independence and determination, was 88 years old. Wow! His joy in living was obvious. Where does it come from at 88 years old? I can't say for sure. Has life been easy on Mr. T? Perhaps, though given his age I have no doubt he has experienced great personal losses, perhaps even of his own children. So, where does the joy come from? Mr. T said it himself.

Jesus.

Jesus is the reason Mr. T lives.
No, I don't mean physically in an 88 year old body.
I mean there is LIFE behind Mr. T's eyes.
It pours from his soul.
I saw it before he even spoke to me.
It was obvious.
This Mr. T was never part of the A Team, but clearly he's part of the "J" team.
Team Jesus.
Go, Mr. T.
You da man.

On a funny note, he also told me to say hi again if I saw him in the store. He said, "I might not remember you or this conversation. I'm 88, after all, and some things are beginning to fade." (He pointed to his head.) Yes, Mr. T. I'm sure at 88, some things are beginning to fade ("beginning" at 88, lol). But one thing hasn't faded in the least. Mr. T's joy in Christ has not faded one bit and I suspect it shines brighter than ever.

Locals, if you see a tall elderly gentleman in Krogers who looks like a park ranger, stop him and say hello. Your day will definitely be richer for having done so. I guarentee it.

Toni