Bye Billy

I was saddened to learn last evening of Billy Graham's death.
I never met the man.
I never attended one of his crusades.
But, I was sharply aware of his ministry.

As a non-Christian, I was struck at how different he appeared.
These were things actually discussed in my elementary school classes, in Europe!
But what can the "natural" mind grasp of God's ways?
Beyond my understanding, but carefully remembered, until I could.

We ultimately did cross swords at one point.
He allowed himself to be manipulated by greedy men.
He chose deceit in taking credit for what was not his, nor should have been.
I publicly called him on this.

And, I was the "problem",
I was attacked.
I was the "un-knowledgeable" .
Exactly who was I to point any finger at Graham?
Years later he publicly apologized, in general terms.
 But never to me.
And I could not have cared less.

He showed me he was human.
I can understand that.
So am I.
I can understand Jonah better because of him.

I lost most of February through my own brush with mortality.
And Billy was heading home.
I am a bit envious.
He beat me there.
He is at peace.
He is at Jesus' feet.
His lips are praising God.
He is at rest.
Having, to my mind, done a good job...

At least far better than me.
sigh