A TALE OF TWO SOULS

When they were young men Gabriel and Saul worked together on VW's. Over the years they became close friends. During the course of life Gabriel became wealthy and Saul became poor and bitter. In their senior years a change came over Gabriel. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. Saul accepted a darker life and became poorer, more negative and bitter. Now as seniors, Gabriel had compassion on his old friend and decided to take care of him by allowing Saul to move into the old house on his ranch. Saul did chores around the place and Gabriel gave him money and helped with his medical expenses. Saul was grouchy most of the time and never stopped complaining about the old run down house in which Gabriel graciously allowed him to reside. The old wood floors were buckling and the house smelled musty and it looked like it had seen its best years a long time ago. Finally, Gabriel, with the compassion of Jesus, spent thousands of dollars and built his old friend Saul a brand new house!

This week I had the opportunity to visit Gabriel. In the course of our stay we also got to visit with Saul. With Gabriel present I asked Saul how he was enjoying his new house. I wanted Gabriel to feel good about his incredibly generous gift. Much to our shock Saul began to complain about his new house. He said, "I know I don't have the vermin now, but I liked the old house better. He went on to complain about how much the old rotten floor boards were better for his knees and hips than the new house with cement flooring, even though it has thick carpet and padding!

I looked at Gabriel and saw his sad eyes and wished I had never asked Saul anything. I decided to witness to Saul and tell him about Jesus and the eternal home we have in Heaven with Him. He turned away in anger and disgust and said, "Surely you don't believe in that stuff!"

"I sure do," I replied.

Saul muttered under his breath, "Fool," as he walked away.

I thought of St. Paul's remark in I Corinthians, where he states that if we don't have a hope with Christ in Heaven, "we are of all men most miserable."

Gabriel and his precious wife are going through some terrible trials right now, but Gabriel still laughs and is positive. He has a blessed hope anchored in his Savior.

What a difference Jesus makes in our lives in this TRUE TALE OF TWO SOULS!
(I changed their real names while relating the events of this week.)