As I begin my eighty-third year, I’ve been engaging in quite a bit of reflection about my interactions with people over the years.

After fifty-five years of ministry in seventy-plus countries, I have so much to review that prioritizing the individual conversations has been a challenge.

Even so, I’m enjoying the process, and it’s a good thing that I have so many to choose from.

Most of the time, I’m thinking and looking forward, but it has been very rewarding to remember the past.

Memories can be the treasure or the curse of old age; thank God, mine are bringing me profound joy.

Every memory reminds me of how awesome and faithful the Lord has been.

I’ve been privileged to attend many grand events, some of which would be considered elegant and exclusive.

Of course, I remember them, but the memories I cherish are the interactions I’ve had with individuals.

Often it was a divine appointment or encounter in which God gave me immediate favor with a person.

That is the only reason why many of these people, even in the first meeting, considered me a safe place to process their life.

That doesn’t happen without a high degree of trust, which normally takes time to create, but God can make it happen quickly.

The memories etched most distinctly in my mind are those that were very consequential in my life, in the other person’s life, and usually in both.

These are the memorable conservations I want to write about.

To have lived this life has been a blessing and I am an example of how God uses flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes.

All He wants is a willing vessel, and the only reason I was available was because of the profound influence Jesus had on my life.

Lots of tears flowed as I recalled a number of these conversations.

I am grateful that the Lord allowed me to be His junior partner in the lives of these people.

For many of them, our second meeting will be in heaven; others became incredibly close lifelong friends.