An Old Friend
Released from the centrifuge of familiarity and thrust into the uncharted realm of the unexpected.
Last month I spoke via Iphone to a childhood friend whom I have not spoken to in thirty years. And thirty years is an unfathomably long time in. We were great friends growing up together but had sadly lost touch after high school. This person has made the perhaps wise choice to have nothing to do with social media.
The twenty minute phone call we enjoyed simply blew me away. I quickly discovered that my friend, in addition to being a godly father and husband, has the gift of spiritual encouragement in a concentrated proportion. So much so that it affected me deeply, for the better I can assure you. Subsequent to our discussion I was plagued as to the reason why. Don't get me wrong, my life is filled with encouragement of all sorts for which I am grateful. But there was something refreshing about how my friend has approached it. Exuberance is the word that comes to mind. I don’t see that much these days. No doubt even in myself. Reconnecting with my past had brought a new level of perspective and peace.
Despite having been socially removed for three decades, my friend and I essentially picked up right where we left off. Little did I know that He had known Jesus Christ as Savior for these many years, as had I. We had a spiritual bond almost immediately which to me could best be attributed as a “God thing”. Naturally we added each other to our prayer lists. Who wouldn't want somebody praying for them these days!
I realized that without warning I had been released from the centrifuge of familiarity and thrust into the uncharted realm of the unexpected. I have long resisted the realization that familiarity breeds relational comfort zones which often can easily cause resistance to change or an inability to maintain or even recognize a balanced perspective in ones family, at work, and socially. I had a boss once who would drive to work a different way almost every day in order to learn as much as he could about the people and the city he lived in. Perhaps this could also be a metaphor for relationships. New ones can be a gift, others a curse I suppose. I’d rather take my chances and hope for the best, navigating through the ups and downs along the way, reminding myself that I play an equal role in the success or failure of any relationship.
The one word that keeps popping into my head is "encourage". Now this is for all of us. Imagine instead of cutting at each other, criticizing, scheming, festering, backbiting, what if we instead encouraged one another day by day. We can start by not letting any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Yes, that’s Ephesians 4:29.
Perhaps this all sounds trite and old fashioned. I suppose it is. Speaking with my friend reminded me that there is a better way. Love covers a multitude of sins, not just those who happen to love you but the Spirit of love which will penetrate even the darkest of hearts. And they are in great supply these days.
In Christ, hope and love dwell.
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Jim
That was an encouraging story. A few years back, I had a similar experience. I too found out he was born-again in Christ. However, his salvation was due to an experience the two of us had in fourth grade. Don't you love it when the Lord reminds us of our influence - even as children?
Amen to that!!! You had some wonderful discernment. Thanks for sharing.