like everyone else in the world.
And as I sat there by the pool, my Bible on my lap, the truth seemed crystal clear to me. No, I was not saved. I’d never made a genuine commitment to the Lord. Dad had been right to be concerned.
I thought about Romans eight and how I’d felt separated from God’s love even though it clearly said nothing could separate us from Him. And then it occurred to me that the promise was made to those who knew the Lord. Maybe I felt separated from Him because I was separate. I had resisted the call.
Ephesians 2:13 was the other scripture reference my father had written on the inside cover, and I took a moment to look it up. But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
It was as if my eyes were opened. I was far off, but I would be brought near by trusting in His sacrifice on the cross. I did believe Jesus was who He said He was, and I wanted Him to be my Savior.
I felt that tugging again, but this time I didn’t resist. I bowed my head and poured out my heart to Him.
Lord, for so long I’ve lived for myself. Everyone saw that. Mom. Dad. Even Charlotte. But I don’t want that kind of life anymore. It’s miserable and hard and there’s no peace whatsoever. Forgive me for my sin and change me into the man you want me to be. I believe in you, Jesus, and I know I prayed a prayer a long time ago when I was a kid, but I didn’t mean it back then. I mean it now, and I need this more than anything. Please be my Lord and Savior.
An indescribable peace swept through me, and I felt clean from the inside out, as if God had taken a huge scrub brush and washed out all the muck. I sat there for a long time, just enjoying the quiet and calm that settled over me.
The first thing that came to mind after that was the homeless man I’d passed on the street a couple of times when I went jogging. An intense sorrow filled my heart at how callous I had been. I’d jogged around him as if he’d been merely an obstacle in my path. Like he was an inconvenience I didn’t want to bother with. My eyes moistened, and I made a promise to the Lord right then and there. If I see him again, I’ll stop and help him to the best of my ability. Please give me another chance to do the right thing.
I went back inside my house but a restless, fidgety feeling wouldn’t allow me to settle down because I wanted to tell someone what I’d just done. Maya’s face came to mind, and without giving it much thought, I grabbed my keys and jumped in my car. Minutes later, I was on the freeway, heading to Maya’s home.
When I got there, I parked and ran up the stairs to her apartment. I pounded on the door, and when she opened it, I couldn’t stop grinning. “I did it.”
Her lips curled up in a curious smile. “Did what?”
“I asked the Lord for forgiveness. I gave Him my life.”
She beamed, her face lighting up like the sun on a warm summer day. “Easton, that’s wonderful.”
I leaned in and pulled her into a giant hug, and I didn’t let go for several seconds. When I finally released her, I stepped back and laughed, feeling happy and free and like everything was brand new. “It is, and you were the first person I wanted to tell. You helped me today, and I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
“I didn’t do much. I just—”
“You’re a true friend, Maya, and I don’t have many of those. In fact, I’ve kept to myself for far too long.” I stepped back, wanting to say more, but I didn’t know if that was wise. I waited a moment and then decided to just tell her. “You should know that I care about you a lot. I…” I trailed off. “What I mean to say is…I value your friendship. Thank you for not giving up on me.” Before she could reply, I took off and jogged down the stairs and then made my way to my vehicle.
She leaned over the railing on the second floor and laughed as she peered down at