7-3-3

“Jesus said, “I shall be with you a little longer, and then I go to him who sent me…”

                                                                                                John 7:33

My husband, Dave, served on the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 31 years and retired as a Major.  His unit number was 733.  Ask most retired Ohio State Troopers who 733 is and they will know it is Retired Major D.D. Sturtz.  It was more than a number.  It represents the legend and the legacy of a man who made a difference and cared about his fellow troopers and served faithfully the citizens of Ohio.

It is amazing how many times I glance at the time and it is 733.  Twice a day, the clock reminds me of Dave, and I smile knowing Dave is forever with me.

One day, I decided to check out what Bible verses were Chapter 7 and verse 33.  I found a few but the one in the Gospel of John spoke to my grief.  Jesus told his disciples he would be with them a little longer and then he was going back to his Father in Heaven.

Dave and I were brought together by God to walk the path of life for twenty-five and a half years.  In the last month of Dave’s life, we had to accept Dave would be on earth just a little while longer and he was going to the One who love him and who Dave loved – our Heavenly Father.

God gave Dave two glimpses of Heaven during his illness and in the last week of his life, he slipped into a coma like state and went to Heaven.  He returned to tell us about it.  Dave asked, “When do I get to go back?”  He saw a glimpse of Heaven and wanted to return.  Jesus had been in Heaven and came to earth, and was preparing to return to Heaven.  His disciples didn’t understand and were in the midst of grief.  I can relate to the disciples.  I have not seen Heaven like Jesus and Dave had, but trust that Heaven was as beautiful as it had been revealed to Dave.

Another 7:33 Scripture is from the book of Acts –

“The Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground’.”

                        Acts 7:33

This is in the speech given by Stephen who quoted from the Old Testament in Exodus when God spoke to Moses.  This reminds me of Dave’s deep faith and respect for God.  That’s how he lived his life.  It also describes the respect and admiration many on the Ohio State Highway Patrol had for Dave.  Many Troopers told me they would have followed Dave anywhere.  They believed in him and what he stood for knowing he would not lead them down a wrong path.

It is amazing to take three numbers, 733, Dave’s unit number, and apply them to the Bible and allow God to speak through the numbers to describe Dave’s life and legacy.

God uses many ways to reveal Himself and His love to us.  In our grief, it is also amazing what reminds us of our loved ones.  Be open to the ways God reveals Himself to you and how your loved one comes to you.  Smile and remember.  Allow yourself to be in the moment and feel the love and be comforted in knowing how close your loved one is to you in that moment.