"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing," 2 Corinthians 2:15.


Whenever he had down time, Mike was in our room on the 5th floor of the hospital. He was a kind and helpful nursing assistant in addition to being warm, funny and charming. We loved for him to come and help relieve the monotony of our days.


We could tell he liked visitng our room, too. Our daughters and their husbands are about his age, and of course they are fun and interesting people. He told us we were the only people on the floor who weren't in extreme pain or extremely crazy. But I think it was more than that. Maybe he saw that we were a loving, caring family since I stayed with my daughter most of her six days there, and the rest of the family were there a lot too. Visitors from the church came and stayed and cared and prayed with her. I'm sure he saw some of that as well. After Charis got better, we laughed a lot, and Mike and the nurse commented that we were the quietest room--meaning the room that needed the least attention.


The last day before Charis was discharged, Mike's shift ended and he came to say goodbye. He stayed well after his shift ended because we began talking about our daughters' church and how he should attend so we can see him again. A good friend had also been trying to get him to attend the church down the street. I told him I would be praying for him and not to be surprised if God really begins convicting him of his need for Him.


Maybe Mike was just bored. But I believe he detected in us the "aroma of Christ" and was irresistably drawn to the fragrance that was wafting out our door. All praise to our precious Savior!


Dear Father, we know your greatest longing is for Mike to be your child. In the name of Jesus, we ask that you bind Satan in his life and draw him with cords of kindness to You instead. Please bring around him the people and circumstances that will melt his heart of stone and allow his heart to be molded in your image. Amen.