A past Anchor writer, Lauren Beyenhof, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. She enthusiastically partnered with Haven while she was yet well to write the October 2009 edition. She managed to finish 28 of the pieces, typing from her hospital bed while fighting to live. By the time her Anchor was in the hands of readers, she was struggling mightily. We meditated on her words while she was taking her final breaths. One of the last pieces she wrote said this:
“The Lord built into us a wonderful way to find true refreshment: in refreshing others! Proverbs gives us a principle that is completely contrary to the world’s thinking. The world and our flesh tell us that if life gets you down, do something great for yourself. God’s Word tells us to give freely of ourselves for others and then see how God will refresh us in the process. I have known this principle to be true, yet I wait with greater anticipation for the final refreshing when this life draws to a close. Then Jesus Christ, our Comforter, will refresh us thoroughly at last!”