by Nancy Aguilar
“Let Nancy know she’s Your favorite daughter,” a friend prayed for me.
The words sounded odd. God doesn’t have favorites! I thought. He’s no respecter of persons. I knew He couldn’t answer a prayer like that.
Later that day, while searching through some old photos, I came across pictures of a dear friend, Doreen, who had died of bone cancer in 1998. Memories of her memorial service came back.
It had been a blustery fall day. As mourners arrived, bagpipers stood at the church steps playing “Amazing Grace.” The sanctuary overflowed with family and friends. Wreaths and vases of flowers covered the platform, next to a large portrait of Doreen. One by one, friends and family came forward to share remembrances of her.
As they shared, a surprising thing happened. Several women told the congregation that they had been Doreen’s closest friend. How could that be? They’re mistaken, I thought. After all, I was her best friend. Then it hit me. Doreen had so lavishly, unselfishly loved us all that each of us thought we had been her favorite. I felt no jealousy, only awe, in having known someone so much like Jesus that I’d felt completely, unconditionally loved.
“That’s like my love,” the Lord interrupted my memories, speaking gently to my heart.
OK, Lord, I get it. But then again, I don’t.
“You don’t have to understand it,” He said. “Just believe it.”
I believe You, Lord.
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with kindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3
