Once in a Lifetime

by Macy Johnson

“When Jesus reached the spot,

he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately.

I must stay at your house today.’”

(Luke 19:5 NIV)

 

Before handbells rehearsal one Wednesday night I visited with a fellow ringer. She told me about how her family was selected to appear in “Family Feud,” a popular TV game show. After beating out the competition of over 500 families, they were swept off to Atlanta where they were honored in all ways possible. She ended the story by saying, “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

 

Another handbell ringer proceeded to tell us her husband recently took a trip from his bucket list. He attended a “whiteout” football game where all attendees wore white.

 

These conversations triggered my memories of many “once in a lifetime” experiences I have lived through. When I face Jesus and He asks, “What was your once in a lifetime?” what will my response be? What reminiscences do I want to carry with me to heaven?

 

The births of my children and grandchildren will be high on the list. I have met several celebrities, too. (If I mentioned their names to my grandchildren, their eyes would glaze over.) Those seemingly amazing times fall flat in the face of eternity.

 

I was in first grade at Pensacola Christian School when I invited Jesus into my heart. My teacher, Miss Turner, led me in the prayer that began a life of child-like devotion. Although I was raised in a Christian home and attended church faithfully, I learned to experience God in a powerful way in elementary school. Accepting Christ as my Lord is my most treasured experience.

 

I will thank my heavenly Father for all my “once in a lifetime” happenings, topped only by knowing Him. I hope you will, too!