Oh the Faith.

I work at Subway, and we have a few regular customers. One man, in his mid-70's, comes once a week and always gets a toasted footlong club. I worked Thursday Septebmber 23, and I was in a very good mood because my youth group camping trip was this weekend and I was super excited. He came in around 7, and we were slow. I made small talk with him as I made his sandwich and ended up mentioning my youth group. He said "Oh, I am so happy you're involved in church. It's good to see young christians." I told him about the camping trip we were having this weekend at Johnsons Shut-ins, and his face suddenly changed into a sad smile.

"I have an interesting story about Johnsons Shut-ins" he said as a glassy look appeared in his eyes. I inquired further, but he continued with "I want you to have a good time this weekend, I don't want anything hindering that." I was now very curious. With more prompting, he started.

"My wife and I have three sons, the youngest 20 and the oldest 28. 2 years ago my oldest was at Johnsons Shut-ins on the weekend with a lady friend, and they had a fantastic time. As they were leaving the camp grounds on a Sunday afternoon, a drunk driver hit the driver's side of his truck, and my oldest son was killed."

I was shocked, and felt so horrible that tears began to stream down my face. "I'm so, so sorry. Sometimes we don't know why God does what he does."

"You're right, but He's blessed me with 2 other sons, and I know He has a purpose for everything He does. I am sure of that. You have as much fun as you can this weekend, and don't let that worry you," he said, still wearing the pained smile. He pushed the door open and left the store.

The faith of this man inspired me. To go through an incident like that and still have such faith in God is absolutely mind-boggling to me. I hope that if I were tested in such a way, that my trust in Him would be that persevering.

On a better note, my weekend was indeed spectacular. It was spent with friends, and yet another amazing memory has been made. The story of this man was a God-given gift to me, proof that no matter what God's people weather, He is with us.