Time. Some think it’s something of which they have lots. But we never can know how much we do have, until it becomes jeopardized. That’s a lesson the Meltsner learnt the hard way, when just that happens to Eugene Meltsner.
All of a sudden, time seems to be slipping away for him, quicker than anyone could have expected. Will the situation be able to be turned around before time is completely gone for good? Only time and faith will reveal what God could possibly have planned for them—of what use the situation could be. And maybe, as the saying goes, “One man’s loss, is another man’s gain.”
Although the events prove to be a fright for the family, and even their close friends, they are all able to find that they can have Hearts of Faith that God will take care of them and their every need.
Sitting on a bench at McAlister park once again, Eugene patiently awaited the arrival of the Bennet family member he hadn’t met—Elizabeth. She had greed in meeting in Odyssey, just as her mother and sister-in-law had the other day.
A few short minutes of waiting passed before a young woman was seen walking along the path. Her dusty blonde hair was pulled back into a messy bun, and her posture seem to show an obvious timidness about her. Standing from the bench, Eugene turned to face her as she walked up. “Greetings,” He began, giving her a friendly smile. “Are you Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah. You’re Eugene?” A nod in return. “Indeed, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Eugene answered. He held out a hand for her to shake, to which she did.
“Shall we sit, then?” Eugene offered. Giving a small shrug in reply, Elizabeth simply sat down on the bench. Eugene did the same. “So…” Elizabeth began, loosely crossing her arms. “I guess you probably know what happened to my brother from my mom and sister?” She assumed. Giving her a sympathetic look, Eugene said, “Yes, they told me.” He confirmed. “And know that you have my deepest condolences. I understand the pain of losing a loved one.” Elizabeth quietly sighed. “… Yeah, thanks.”
Trying not to linger too much on her grief, Elizabeth had another question to ask. “Um… Can I ask why you needed a new heart?” Eugene nodded. “You may. See, about two months prior, I had been diagnosed with heart failure.” He began. “Though, by then, it was too late for doctors to treat it.” Elizabeth hummed. “So you needed a new heart, then?”
“I did, yes.” Eugene replied. “And you’re… you’re okay now?” Elizabeth wondered. “As of now, I have been given a near clean bill of health.” Eugene said. “That’s good.” Elizabeth simply replied, though there seemed to be something else that was underlying her response. “Miss Bennet,” Eugene went on. “I’m sure you must still be very upset since your brother’s death.” Elizabeth tried not to roll her eyes, and simply just glanced off. “And I can understand if, maybe even in meeting me, it simply brings you more pain.”
“… Sorry,” Elizabeth shook her head a little. “I mean, you’re right… it is painful. That was part of why I didn’t want to meet you in the first place.” She confessed. “But, it’s not like you’re the one who killed Liam… so I shouldn’t be upset with you. I’m not, but…” Elizabeth sighed. “Perhaps you’re upset that it seems as though Liam was chosen.” Elizabeth glanced over to Eugene. He continued. “And, in a way, he was. God planned it that way.” She shook her head a little. “Yeah, well, that doesn’t make me feel any better…”
“No, I don’t imagine it does.” Eugene agreed. For a brief moment, there was a look of curiosity on Elizabeth’s face as she remembered something. “You said you know what it’s like to lose a loved one,” She noted. “Why? Who did you lose?” She asked. “When I was a child, I lost both my parents. I didn’t see them for twenty years, and when I was finally reunited with my father, I learned of my mother’s passing two years prior.” Eugene answered, looking saddened as he spoke. “I’m sorry.” Elizabeth said. He continued. “While I was discouraging having lost her, I was able to be at peace knowing that she was someplace better.”
“I don’t get that,” Elizabeth told him. “My mom and Maria say the same thing, but it makes no sense.” Eugene blinked. “What is it that doesn’t make sense, may I ask?” Elizabeth was quiet for a moment before she spoke again. “It’s as if you all act like you’re okay that some have died! I mean, why can’t you guys just grieve like normal people?” She asked, giving Eugene an utterly confounded look. “Losing someone, even for Christians, can be very upsetting, and grievous. However, we’re able to find comfort in one of God’s promises. The promise that we will see them again some day, if they too are saved.”
For a beat, the only response Elizabeth gave was a look of sadness mixed with confusion. There were some tears beginning to well in her eyes. “Elizabeth,” Eugene began, trying to catch her gaze. “Would you, perhaps, be interested if I explained further?” Thinking the offer over for a long minute, Elizabeth finally nodded. Eugene happily took out his pocket-sized New Testament, and began sharing the Gospel with Elizabeth.
By the time they were finished talking, the young woman had made the decision to fully put her trust in God, and his gift of Salvation.
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