I have some friends, some folks I wish I could spend more time with but life and distance make it difficult. But I count he and his wife as a good friends non-the-less. At various times over the last few years, they have seemingly called ‘out of the blue’ to check up on my wife and I, and it always seems to happen at key times. When I struggled with depression a few years ago, his wife called, gave me a word of encouragement, and prayed for me. Once when my wife was out of work and and struggling: same thing. When I have struggled with church stuff, he was there, even just to listen to me vent. Kind, compassionate, carrying, always an ear to hear and a word of encouragement.

Tonight I was feeling some stress from the added responsibilities of church leadership, feeling a bit loaded down, when ‘out of the blue’, he called. While the reason he called was innocent enough, the timing was impeccable. With a listening ear and ready encouragement, my spirits where lifted.

Thanks John and Marjorie for being there over the last few years. Your friendship means more than I can express. Or have expressed.