Relationship Treasures

I went to visit a dear old friend today, at the prompting of another very dear friend. Jeanette is 91 and under hospice care at her home; Becky is still just a ‘pup’ in her 40’s. Both have been special friends to me for over 20 years. Our mutual love and respect drew us to stop by Jeanette’s home this afternoon after work, and I will be forever grateful we made that visit.

Christians talk about what it means to live a Christ-following life, but few embody it like Jeanette Ball. I first met her at my former church 25 years ago. It is impossible to chronicle in a short blog all the ways in which she impacted my life. But after being with her today, hugging her, and sensing yet again her amazing spirit – so close to the Lord you can almost touch it – I am compelled to pay tribute to what she has meant to me, and to so many others.

I was a young UT student when I first visited the church. I didn’t know anyone in town but I found a church close to my apartment. Jeanette and Ed were older than my parents but welcoming and you could tell immediately that their joy and faith knew no boundaries – age, race or otherwise. Later when I married and my children were born and christened in that church, she was an encourager to this young mother. Over the years our paths have crossed in so many areas of service. She has always been a role model of a Proverbs 31 woman. Twenty-four years ago she first coaxed me into teaching the Jr. High youth. How did she know I would love it so, be a good fit and continue that for 14 years? A couple of years later when some of us young women wanted to start our own United Methodist Women’s circle – that would meet at night because most of us worked outside the home– the first night circle!- she was instrumental in getting the circle started and mentoring me as the Anna Circle’s first president. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing but she helped me every step of the way. Her gifts of knowledge, encouragement, people skills, constant joy at being a believer, and savvy about church politics were invaluable to me.

Over the years we shared many experiences at St. John’s. She was a fellow Disciple I, II, III, IV student. She helped me ‘graduate’ from teaching Jr. Hi Sunday School to teaching Confirmation classes, knowing that by teaching I would grow my own faith by leaps and bounds. She was so right. Together we served in Logos, IHN, Choir, attended Women’s Retreats, UMW Legislative Events at the Capitol and Christian teaching conferences in various cities. She was a regular at the early service back in those days, as was I with my young children, and she always greeted my children with an exuberant smile and a welcoming hug. She was one who told me not to worry if they seemed bored, tired, or even wanted to stretch out and sleep in the pew. The important thing was they were there, and she celebrated that fact rather than make me feel embarrassed.

Anyone who knows Jeanette knows her as the Energizer Bunny. She is the poster child for energy, stamina and strong will. All of the classes she has led, the Amazing Grays, Cokesbury Choir, Senior Trips – it’s truly amazing. Friends, Family and Church Family alike have benefitted over the decades from her love, support, and personal servant-hearted ministry. She always finds time for others. Just like Jesus.

It’s been over a decade since I’ve attended the same church as Jeanette. But being a believer as part of the Body of Christ isn’t about sharing a pew in the same building, it’s about knowing you’ll get to worship Jesus together in Heaven. It’s about serving alongside each other in the name of our risen savior, Jesus the Christ, and showing His love in the unique individual ways He gives to each of His Children. One of the most important gifts anyone can give is the gift of investing in the lives of others, and Jeanette taught me well how to do that. When you invest in others for the cause of Christ you have not only the blessing of relationship here on earth but the anticipation of spending eternity with others who love Him too. I’ve never known anyone as selfless and giving as Jeanette Ball. There is no one like her.

As I watched her sitting on the couch of her home, Becky’s arm around her, a smile of deep friendship and contentment on Jeanette’s face, I realized that it will be sooner than later that Jeanette will change her residence from Earth to Heaven. How glad I am that I too know Jesus personally, and can say with certainty that I will join her in Heaven. When we all get to heaven, as the old hymn says, what a day of rejoicing that will be! No more sorrow, no more sickness, no more pain. Plenty of energy. Plenty of time to get to know each other even better, and to talk about all the times on earth when He showed up and used us to His glory.

Jeanette, you are one of my relationship treasures. I am still and always glad we are sisters in Christ, and I look forward to sharing with you that beautiful place of perfection of the body and endless time.