ARE YOU PREPARED TO MEET YOUR LORD?

Billy Graham has often told a story that illustrates the importance of having your priorities in the right order. The story is about a little boy named Paul Haley. The little six-year-old Denver boy was dying from cancer. His story had hit the newspapers along with his fondest wish. The little boy wanted to meet the President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

One day, quite unexpectedly, Eisenhower announced to his aides that he was going to see Paul Haley. Hopping in the presidential limousine, they drove to Denver and pulled up outside of the Haley home, flags flying from the limo’s fenders. Eisenhower simply strode up the little walk leading to the Haley front door and rang the doorbell.

Donald Haley, the little boy’s father, answered the door. When faced with the neatly-dressed stranger he simply asked, “Can I help you?”

Suddenly, a little boy appeared between his father’s legs, peering up at the stranger’s face.

“Yes, I’m Dwight Eisenhower and I’d like to meet your son.” The little boy scampered out to the limo and the president showed him the car and allowed him to sit in it. They parted with a handshake and a hug. All the while Donald Haley stood in the doorway awestruck.  

Donald Haley often talked about how unprepared he was to meet the president of the United States. He was standing there in old jeans and a dirty tee-shirt as the most important man in the world shook his hand. If he had only known he could have been prepared!