My mobile phone rings. Unknown number. I answer it and hear a woman's voice. "I wanted to tell you thank you for the service you celebrated for our father six years ago. It sparked so much in me!" After a few moments I remember. "I didn't have it easy then. A lot was broken and I hardly dared to go to church. And then you came to me before the service and we talked for a few minutes. That encouraged me so much and gave me the strength to persevere." Very slowly, the memories of those moments come back to my heart. A long conversation develops. At the end I get to hear: "I am back. I have opened myself to God again. And I feel how HE loves me!" As we say goodbye, my eyes fill with tears. God has let the love given away years ago work and work in this person's heart. He - as the Father of life - knows about the often long maturing process. Love has time!
