Full Circle

I want to tell you a story, one that started eight years ago.

I was sitting in my new office at Daybreak Church, which (at the time) shared a door with the main sanctuary, which I had propped open.  I was working at my desk, and the sanctuary was unlit.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone walk to the front row of chairs, and kneel down quietly to pray, probably counting on being unseen.  When I looked over at him, I realized he was a military (Navy) guy, in fatigues.  When he was done praying, I introduced myself to him, and we started a friendly dialogue that has only deepened and broadened these last eight years.  Today, I count him as a brother-from-another-mother, one of my closest friends, whom I would trust not only with my life, but with my family's lives as well.  He is significantly larger than me in stature (a nice feature to have in a friend, but not so much in enemies), and yet his meekness and humility have always exemplified Christ in a very real way.  Through all the trials we have helped each other bear, through all the victories, he has become one of what we call "the 2a.m. phone call club".  I don't have to explain that one.

So it was a fitting and divine appointment that, recently on one of my last days in the main sanctuary of our church, I should unexpectedly find him once again, in uniform, come to lay his burdens before the Lord in prayer.  My friend — and you know who you are — you truly are "God's Man".  I hope to find that the Lord brings your family, also, to the Flathead Valley soon.  You have my deepest respect and gratitude for your permanent friendship.