This is a story that dropped into my inbox recently. It tells us the story of what happened to Robertson McQuilkin after he had to resign as as president of Columbia International University. I thought it particularly appropriate for this week.
A love letter to God
In 1990, Robertson McQuilkin resigned as president of Columbia International University. He was 57 years old, but his son recently had died in a diving accident and his wife had advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He left his position to be her full-time caregiver.
He recalls: “I was numb. Not bitter, let alone angry. Why should I be? That’s the way life is, life in a broken world. But the passion in my love for God had evaporated; leaving a residue of resignation where once had been vibrant faith.
I knew I was in trouble, and I did the only thing I knew to do — I went away to a mountain hideaway for prayer and fasting. It took about 24 hours to shake free of preoccupation with my own wounds and to focus on the excellencies of God. As I did, slowly love began to be rekindled. And with love came joy.
I wrote God a love letter, naming 41 of his marvellous gifts to me, spotlighting eleven of his grandest acts in history, and exulting in ten of his characteristics that exceed my imagination. Surely he enjoyed my gratitude — who doesn’t appreciate gratitude?
But I discovered something else. Something happened to me. I call it the reflex action of thanksgiving. My love flamed up from the dying embers, and my spirit soared. I discovered that ingratitude impoverishes — but that a heavy heart lifts on the wings of praise.”
Now there’s a challenge, that sounds as though it would be well worth attempting. Robert McQuilkin, in his letter to God, named 41 of his marvellous gifts to him. I wonder how many of God’s gifts to me I would name. I wonder how many of his gifts to you, you would name.
About Paul Sibley
Andrew Gosden (now 16) has been missing from his Doncaster home since 14 September 2007. The search continues.