Revelation 14:13 – And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. (KJV)

A Presbyterian church is located midway between our community of Nanaimo, in central Vancouver Island, and the community of Qualicum Beach, a 45-minute drive north of us.

Behind the church, a cross is carefully outlined in a sacred plot of ground, wherein lies the final resting place for several people's cremains. One of those people was a much-loved retired Presbyterian minister, whose wife is a friend of mine, here in Nanaimo.

In early March of this year, I'd been up to Qualicum Beach, and on the way home, prior to passing the church where the minister is interred, I had a very strong impression to take the time just to stop by and pay my respects, but I kept on driving. However, the impression continued so strongly that a little further down, I turned around and drove back to the church, thinking that perhaps my friend might even like a photo of the cross.

As the several cremains interred there are identified only by numbers, I wasn't sure exactly which one was the minister's, so I took several photos, especially of one near the top of the cross that contained a small plant which was blooming — the only flowers in the cross.

Upon getting home, I emailed my friend, told her of my story, and asked if she'd care for the photos. Not only did she welcome them, but also it turned out to be of significance, as that day was the exact anniversary of his celebration of life two years before. Moreover, the flowers marked the exact spot of his interment, having been placed there by his daughter a couple of days prior. I'd attended his service, but I hadn't remembered the exact date. My friend, his wife, doesn't drive, and so, in this small gesture, she was able to "visit" his resting place on the exact anniversary of his burial. Thankfully, I'd paid attention to those "nudges from above".

This devotional has been running around in my head since that time, and as well, I've been searching for the perfect Scripture. Today's verse was given to me on a morning in May in my daily Bible reading. I believe that it was yet another of those nudges from above, for none could be more fitting.

Though my association with this minister was on a friendly basis, having never attended his services, it was evident from his celebration of life that he was much loved, respected, and remembered by the several congregations that he'd served. While he is now resting from his labours, I believe that his works must surely follow him in those who profited from his sermons through the years.

God is constantly sending us nudges from above. It may be in something so small as remembering an item that we need at a grocery store but didn't write down, or in bigger ways, such as knowing that someone needs our help, or recognizing an opportunity to share His Word. In order to hear His Spirit whispering to us, we need to be open and ready to listen.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for whispering in our ear, nudging us to hear Your voice and to take the time to do things of significance for others. Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your voice and to follow through with what You are saying. In Jesus' name, we pray and give thanks this day. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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