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Her gnarled hands hold the ancient bible. Every morning at 6 a.m. Lila Dinney is there, soaking up the Word through her tired eyes. Her large, wire rimmed glasses perch atop her bony nose as she sits, allowing the Spirit of the Lord to seep deep into her tired soul. This old bible has been her best friend, walking with her though every turn of her life.
At one time it was new, just as she was. It was given to her the day she accepted Jesus into her heart at ten years old. It was there the day she found out her twin sister was about to give birth and it was there the day she heard the news that her beloved Kevin was taken from her in the war. Through every tear and every joyous laugh, it’s been there. Today she clutches it closer to her than ever before. She just knows something extraordinary is about to happen.
At 95, Lila was a strong woman. There was only one time in her life when one would consider her weak, but who wouldn’t after finding out that her one true love was taken home to be with the Father? It didn’t matter that he was dancing with the angels in heaven. All that mattered was that he was no longer there, and she had to live the rest of her days without him, without ever having a chance to start a family.
For exactly six months she grieved for him, not even having the strength to get out of bed. Her bible remained by her side but for all her sadness, she couldn’t find the will to open it. It just sat there on her nightstand, almost daring her to open it.
On the ninety- first day, she received a phone call from her childhood friend, Emily. Emily convinced her to get out of bed. Very shortly after that phone call, Emily paid her a visit and nursed her back to wellness, her smooth, melodic voice almost singing out the Psalms. Emily was always good at reading aloud, and she seemed to make the scriptures come alive every time she opened her mouth.
“Oh, here’s a beautiful verse, Lila! Listen to this!
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing…
“Isn’t that beautiful, Lila? We are a fragrant offering to God!”
“Yes, that is quite exquisite. Where did you find that verse?”
“It’s in 2 Corinthians, chapter 2, verses 15 and 16.”
“I do believe I’m going to remember those words.”
This special morning she is turned again to that magical passage that became her awakening. This verse somehow managed to revive her from the dead, her depression dwindling with every word that she read.
“Lord, I don’t know what you’ve planned for me today but your will be done. I’ve lived a long life of faithful service to you and I know very soon you are coming to take me home. I can’t wait because I know it will be beautiful. I am a fragrant offering to you but more than anything, I can’t wait to breathe in the wonderful fragrance of you and who you are in person, face to face.”
“Wait no longer, dear one. I am coming at this hour. I am your Groom and you, beautiful Lila are my precious bride. Arise, my beloved and take your place in my kingdom. It’s time for you to return to your fallen husband.”
Emily stops by a few hours later to check on her dear, lifelong friend. She opens the door without knocking, knowing that Lila with her failing ears would not be able to hear her anyway. There is the bible lying with the pages open to 2 Corinthians 2:15. A beautiful, fragrant aroma fills the air as Lila’s lifeless body is slumped in her chair.
Upon closer inspection, Emily finds that her sweet friend is wearing the biggest smile she has ever seen. Emily doesn’t have to guess what Lila was thinking about those last precious moments on this earth. Her smile, mingled with the heavenly perfume spoke volumes. Emily closes her eyes and rejoices. “How lovely.”
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