Joseph Stowell[i] tells a story about a conversation he had with Billy Graham who was eighty at the time. He and his wife were seated next to Dr. Graham, at a dinner for the staff and board of Billy’s organization. As the meal was finishing he leaned over and asked Billy the question he had hoped to ask all evening and described it this way:
“Wondering what he would say about his highest joys in life, I asked, ‘Of all your experiences in ministry, what have you enjoyed most?’ Then (thinking I might help him out a little), I quickly added, ‘Was it your time spent with presidents and heads of state? Or was it…’ Before I could finish my next sentence, Billy swept his hand across the tablecloth, as if to push my suggestions onto the floor. ‘None of that,’ he said. ‘By far the greatest joy of my life has been my fellowship with Jesus. Hearing Him speak to me, having Him guide me, sensing His presence with me and His power through me. This has been the highest pleasure of my life!’
It was spontaneous, unscripted, and clearly unrehearsed. There wasn’t even a pause. With a life full of stellar experiences and worldwide fame behind him, it was simply Jesus who was on his mind and on his heart. His lifelong experience with Jesus had made its mark, and Billy was satisfied.”
I grieve for our loss of a great man of God. An era has ended, but the same Spirit that filled and empowered Billy Graham, fills and empowers me and everyone who has received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Thus begins the sweet adventure into the depths of knowing Him more fully, more intimately, and sensing His presence day after day, year after year. It is simply Jesus becoming more real in me and through me.
Imagine all the people in heaven who are greeting Billy right now, and imagine his joy when he looked into the eyes of Jesus. I know there was instant recognition and a continuation of the conversation he was having with Him before he breathed his last, picking up where he left off. Well done, good and faithful servant.
 
[i] Stowell, J. (2002). Simply Jesus. Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah Publishers, Inc.