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3 - Lloyd and Gladys: Change of Life |
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Bill sat in his office stunned with the telephone call he had just
received. He needed another cup of coffee and time to himself just to think. Bill had been preaching for forty-two years, but no coursework, seminars, retreats nor experience had prepared him for that call. Bill had just last Sunday celebrated his 25th anniversary as the preacher for a large congregation in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
Lloyd had been an elder for the entire twenty-five year period of Bill’s tenure at that congregation. He had been a leader among leaders. He was always the one chosen to chair the most important committees. Recently, he had chaired the building committee when the congregation decided to move from its downtown location to the city’s most vibrant area at its outskirts. The move, under his leadership, had been flawless. Lloyd was one of the most respected adult Bible teachers and was regarded as one of the most “spiritually-minded” leaders. Lloyd had lived what seemed to be a “charmed” life. He had married Gladys, his high school sweetheart, during their senior year in college. He had started an oil exploration company soon after college graduation which, through his hard work and countless hours, soon became a multi-million dollar company. Moreover, he had become Bill’s best friend.
Gladys had been the woman in Proverbs 31. She had been Lloyd’s constant companion and supporter. She was the supervisor of the nursery at church and, under her leadership; it had become the “model“ nursery. Her hard work and devotion to that ministry had earned her several opportunities to speak at lectureships and seminars across the country. In addition, she and Lloyd had raised four marvelous children, all of whom were active in the church and all of whom were successful in their careers. Gladys had been the consummate “homeroom mom”
for all their children. In short, Lloyd and Gladys were the congregation’s role model as the ideal couple with the
ideal family.
Recently, Lloyd sold his company and retired. In addition, he had also retired from being an elder, so that he and Gladys could spend more time together during his retirement……time they had missed out on due to his devotion to his career and their numerous church and civic leadership activities.
Bill’s telephone call was from Gladys. She wanted “the preacher” to be the first to know that she had just filed for divorce.
SCRIPTURAL POINTS OF LIGHT
Matthew 19:1-10; Ephesians 5:21-23; Colossians 3:18-19; I Peter 3:7; Proverbs 31:10-12; I Corinthians 11:11; 13:7
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