A Friend

May I please tell you about a friend of mine?

Thanks.

He is a man I have respected unwaveringly for years.
He is an unassuming man. One who possesses quiet strength. He is not easily angered --unless you mess with his family. Then, honestly, jumping off the nearest bridge might be the most pleasant thing for you to do.

He knows what he believes and stands by it. He is, however, always ready to listen to you; even if you don't agree with him. He's one of those humble people who isn't offended if you don't see things as he does. That's your right as a person and he will love you anyway.

He isn't a big talker. But if you are wanting a story, he enjoys obliging. And he tells them vividly, like he's reliving each memory. He's lived a while, so he has quite a repertoire, too. If he sees that you are enjoying listening, he will love every minute. And probably throw in another tale, for your listening pleasure.

And his laugh! The term "belly laugh" -- where your whole body laughs, from the soul out. Yeah, I'm pretty sure someone came up with that description after watching this guy. It's not one of those laughs that is at all annoying -- it actually makes you laugh along if you hear it, even if you haven't heard what is funny. It's contagious and can brighten up your whole day.

And so can he. One smile, one heartfelt kind word, both of which characterize this man, make you feel like carrying on, even on the days where you struggle to do just that. He is genuine. Warm, kind and sympathetic.

He's not a public speaker. In fact, being in front of a large crowd makes his stomach hurt. But one-on-one, now that's his cup of tea. Talking comfortably over a good meal, a phone call just to catch up and see how your day is going...that's him. Come to him with a heartache, worry, struggle, and you will get a listening ear, encouraging word, and prayer. And a hug.

He's not a loner by any means. He enjoys quiet time at home, takes pleasure in simple relaxation. But not by himself. Now snuggle one of his children up next to him...or turn on an Andy Griffith show and gather the family around...or give him a book to read aloud (complete with "voices," of course)...and there you have it. Ideal quality relaxation.

Or put him on the beach. Seeing a grown man marvel at and revel in the beauty of the ocean, is observing worship in a pure form. He is humbled and overwhelmed at the creativity and blessings of God. There is nothing "frivolous" he would rather spend money on than a trip to the beach with his family.
I might also add that he builds the best, most precise sand castles EVER.

He's a thinker. Don't try to get a quick decision out of him -- it will only prolong the process. But rest assured that when you do get an answer, it will have been thought about from every angle and it will stand. Period. All that effort will not be in vain. If the decision is something you aren't going to want to hear, it will be presented in a gentle, loving, diplomatic way. If it is a welcome answer, he will probably attempt to keep a straight face and begin his speech as though you aren't going to enjoy hearing what he has to say. But when you realize you were scared for nothing, just smack him, hug him and thank him. He's happy to make you happy.

Most importantly, this man loves the Lord with his whole heart. His faith is not loud. But it is strong. His convictions are obvious but not obnoxious. His relationship with the Lord is sweet and evident in how he handles this life. One of his go-to verses and prayers is "We don't know what to do but our eyes are on You." He doesn't claim to have answers or to know how to fix everything. He just knows Who does and encourages us that running to Him is the solution, in and of itself.

In my humble opinion, you can't get a much better picture in this sin-tainted world of the way God feels about His children, than seen in this man.
His hugs comfort like nothing else on earth. He makes you feel like the most precious, beautiful, priceless treasure in the world. He would do anything in his power to help you and make a close relationship possible.

It breaks my heart to say that this man is now in Heaven and this world continues without him.

But I will never stop being proud to call this man my friend.

And my Daddy.

Happy Birthday, Daddy.
Love forever.