November 17, 2006
A Heart of Thanksgiving
I recently became aware of something as I completed the final volume of The Bible Story for the Japanese novel series I've been working on for the last four years. I now realize that all during the time I was working on the project, the strain I was feeling every day was also being experienced by my family and staff to a considerable degree. When it was over and I began to relax, the people around me seemed more relaxed, as well. My wife told me many times, "We were feeling it, too!" Now that I'm free of the burden of writing, I can see how so many people around me contributed to the success of the project. And this is true of not just the last four years, either. This has turned out to be an excellent opportunity to reflect upon my life as a whole up to this point.
One of the programs we produced in our studio last week was one that featured water-color artist Katsuyuki Fujii as guest. Mr. Fujii is responsible for producing the illustrations for the entire novel series -- more than 120 altogether. During the taping, I thought about that and my heart filled to overflowing with thanksgiving.
Recently I ran across the following story that I'd like to share with you.
William Stidger was an American crusade evangelist who was active during the first half of the 20th century. One night in the early 1930s, he and a friend went out to eat at a restaurant. The topic of their conversation turned to the fact that virtually everyone's life had been deeply impacted by the effects of the Great Depression. With no income, scores of people had committed suicide. The more the two talked, the more serious their conversation became. Just then, a fellow pastor who was there stood up and cried out, "Ah, I just don't know what to do! In two weeks it'll be Thanksgiving. I want to say something positive to my people, but with this Depression going on, just what kind of sermon can I possibly preach?!" At that moment, Stidger recalled, the Holy Spirit spoke to him and said, "During your life, there have been many people who have blessed you. Why don't you recall their names during this time of trouble and express your gratitude to them?"
Stidger began to think about that and shortly the name of one of his teachers from long ago came to mind. The lady had been his English literature teacher and had taken a considerable amount of her time to give him extra instruction. Because of her influence, he was able to significantly deepen his understanding of English literature and this had had a profound effect upon his writing and preaching activities. He hadn't seen this woman in many years, but when he got home, he sat down and wrote her a thank-you letter. Within a few days, a reply came in the mail.
Dearest Willie,...At that time, Stidger was about 50 and had lost much of his hair. There was no one that called him "Willie" anymore. When he read that greeting, it immediately warmed his heart.
Dearest Willie,"I'm not a very emotional type of guy," Stidger commented, "but when I read that letter, I wept out loud."
I cannot tell you how much your note meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room, cooking my own meals, lonely and, like the last leaf of autumn, lingering behind. You will be interested to know that I taught in school for fifty years and yours is the first note of appreciation I ever received. It came on a blue-cold morning, and it cheered me as nothing has in many years.
Next, he remembered a retired pastor friend of his. This man's wife had recently died and he was now living alone. Stidger recalled that when he himself had just started out as a pastor, this older man had taken the time to give him all kinds of encouragement and helpful advice. So, Stidger wrote this man a letter, as well. Two days later, a reply came.
Dearest Will,That's the story and I, as well, felt tears come to my eyes when I first read it. A thankful heart is a truly wonderful thing, isn't it?
Your letter was such a true and beautiful thing. I read it in my study and found myself weeping, overcome with feelings of thanksgiving. I stood up from my chair and called my wife's name. In my joy, I guess I momentarily forgot that she's no longer here. You simply can't imagine how much comfort that letter brought to me. I walked around all day long in the glow it brought to my heart.
In closing, I'd like to mention that our 38th Harvest Time Holy Land Tour departed for Israel on Wednesday and I'll be leading a group of 46 participants around the country until the 24th. Spiritual break-throughs in people's lives are regularly sought for and often occur during these tours. I ask for your prayers upon the entire 10-day experience that many victories would be won. Rich blessings upon you and yours in Y'shua's precious name!
Kenichi Nakagawa
Posted by HarvestTV at 05:19 PM | Comments (0)