Well Done

I've heard people say they long to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" when their time on earth comes. When I think of some people, I can't imagine their warm welcome. Not that I'm being judgmental. I'm just realizing that it's easier to imagine the welcome that awaits in heaven that some will receive. This afternoon, one such person entered into heaven's gates. I have no doubt in my mind that Jesus met him there with a resounding, "WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! ENTER YOUR REST."

In fact, I'm picturing lots of things about this particular Home-going. Jim Bennett was a dear friend and classmate of my father's. They attended Bethel College together. He later became the President of Bethel. After retiring from Bethel, he was our pastor at Bethany Missionary Church. I have so many memories of "Papa Jim" as my kids grew up calling him.

I remember he and his wife hosting "afterglow" around the campfire after evening services at Prairie Camp. I remember seeing his smiling face as he walked around the campgrounds when I was a teenage camper. I remember seeing him at Bethel sporting events. He watched my brother play Bethel baseball...A LOT! I'd see him at basketball games when I was working as the shot clock operator when I was in high school.

As an adult, I remember hearing many sermons that spoke to my heart. I remember his sermons about the end times. I will always remember him saying that when it comes to the Tribulation, we should "Pray for pre but prepare for post." I remember him saying, "I know I'm stepping on some toes today and I'm glad!" I remember in December 1990 when my parents and I were in a serious car accident. My dad was air-lifted from Indiana to Michigan because that was the best trauma center at the time. Jim was our pastor then. He drove more than an hour EVERY DAY to visit my dad, his college classmate, in the hospital. When my dad improved enough he could be transferred to our local hospital, Jim was there EVERY DAY! When my dad was sent home from the hospital but had to go to South Bend for therapy several times a week, it was Jim who drove him to his appointments, waited during therapy, then drove him back home, helped him get settled in and then assure Dad he would "be back tomorrow whether you like it or not."

I remember when my daughter was born. It was a Sunday. Our church was having a potluck dinner that day. My parents were at that potluck. It was before cell phones were around (they were bag phones that stayed in the car). I called the church to tell my parents. When the person answering the phone called out for my parents, I heard Jim yell across the fellowship hall, "They can talk to her after I do! I get to find out first!" He was indeed the first one to hear about our new little one. He dedicated her a few weeks later. I remember his holding her in his arms and praying over her.

Before the accident, my dad sang. He had the voice of an angel. Beautiful, resonant, perfect tenor voice. He sang in church often. When he was in college, he sang in the choir and on multiple Gospel teams that traveled all over. After every time my Dad sang in church, Jim would get up there and say, "Al, I still hope that when I die and go to heaven, Jesus lets me sing just like you." Guess what, Papa Jim...that time is now. Sing away, my friend! Sing away.

It was very hard news to share with my father. This was a man he dearly loved. They've known each other since they were teenagers. My heart is sad for my Dad at losing a friend. But my heart breaks for his 4 kids (2 he raised and 2 that were blessed to marry in to the family), grandkids and wife. They are a very special family. But I rejoice in knowing that he heard those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."