Gentle Friendship

On this night, a lifelong friend is on my heart and on my mind. Since he is not one to draw attention to himself, I am asking for his forgiveness in advance for shining a spotlight on him tonight.

I met this friend when I was about 11 years-old. He lived next door with his beautiful wife and four rambunctious little boys. I would see him arrive at home after he had worked all day. On many evenings, I would show up on their doorstep to ask if Dan could come out to play. He shared the gift of his time by coming over to play basketball with me in my backyard. Even then, I admired his quiet strength, his gentle spirit, and the ever present sparkle in his eyes. He always accepted me for exactly who I was, even during those awkward, pre-teen days.

Eventually, these dear friends moved to another area of town, and I lost my afternoon basketball buddy. But, it was always the same when we got back together, even after I was away serving in the Air Force for many years.

When I retired from the Air Force in 1995, I returned to my home area and became the pianist at the church where Nancy (the one who forgave me for taking her husband's attention after she had been with four little boys all day and desperately needed some relief!) and Dan were members. So, over the last 15 years, we have had many more opportunities to spend time together, and to enjoy conversations at the piano bench where I "reside".

Even tonight, when I learned that Dan is facing some major surgery this week, he took the time to stop by the piano to say a kind word and to give me a gentle hug as he knew that my heart was heavy over some uncertain circumstances of my own.

I want to share a quote that I read tonight:

"I will believe that what God has placed inside me is superior to the mountains that stand in my way." I believe that God will put a quiet, unwavering courage and strength inside of Dan this week. I am praying that this courage and strength will be evident to all who are in his path, and that people will stand in awe of what God chooses to do in the coming days.

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times...

Dan, know that my heart is with you as you face this week. Please get well soon, as an old friend may show up on your doorstep, asking if you can come outside and play. You wouldn't want to disappoint her after all of these years.