Friendship: Chad

I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.-Thomas A. Edison

At the end of 6th grade, we moved from Mankato in 1984 to a small McLeod County city named Hutchinson, the existence of which I had never heard of until moving in August of that year.

At the time, I was a pimply-faced 7th grader, awkward and friendless.  Leaving a community with great childhood chums and entering a small town was not the easiest transition in the world.

Of course this experience is hardly uncommon and certainly an everyday occurrence today.  But because of my desire at that age to be accepted,  my transition perhaps was harder than most.  In an age where social media didn't exist, phone calls to Mankato were difficult, expensive and eventually led to a realization that I needed to start finding friends on my own.

Fast-forward to 9th grade.  After a life-changing and emotionally difficult middle-school where I surrendered my life to Christ (thank you, Youth For Christ and Mr. Mark Anderson), God put Chad into my life.

While only casual acquaintances in middle school, Chad and I started hanging out.  Mostly out of a joint appreciation for hunting and sports, but also because I think he knew I needed a friend and he was willing.  I really had nothing to offer him.

He was popular, accepted by the 'in' crowd, and seemingly had his crap together.  I was the opposite.  My teachers liked me, but that was about it.  My older brother thought I was a spaz and offered very little in terms of support, mostly condemnation and 'brotherly love' that only an older brother can give.

Chad and I hung out all the time and went on to be roommates in college. Chad was one of my groomsman in my wedding, present for my college graduation, and also a visitor in the hospital for the birth of all of my children.

Even today, after 25 years, Chad still supports me and my family with a his life, his casual smirk and warm handshake and embrace.  He's been a rock of support for me, despite my lack of reciprocal attention.

Jesus mentions him and others like him in the gospel of John:

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13)

Thanks, Chad, for being there.  For making the phone call and stopping by.  For your friendship, despite your overalls!

Grace & Peace

PLW

Friendships: Gene

 C.S. Lewis, the renowned Christian author, penned this about friendship:

"For we all wish to be judged by our peers, by the men "after our own heart." Only they really know our mind and only they judge it by standards we fully acknowledge. Theirs is the praise we really covet and the blame we really dread." (The Four Loves)

I'm starting a series of blogs dedicated to a few of my friends (not all of them of course), with the purpose of exposing to my readers their unique and profound impact on my life.  I am extremely thankful to God for all of them, as they continue to lift me up and keep me accountable to the higher calling God has for my life.

Gene:    

     Recently a college friend of mine, Gene, was traveling in the area and reached out to me for dinner. As I made my way toward the entrance of Pittsburgh Blue (one of our favorite hangouts from our last couple of visits), I was greeted with the friendly handshake and the encouraging smile of my long-time friend.  Gene looked well and fit, and had obviously been working out more than this author.
   
     We had a great dinner: glazed pork chops, a small filet done just right, and heavenly mashed potatoes followed up with some chocolate layer cake and some decaf coffee (for me).   Conversation was long, fulfilling and fantastic.  But what struck me as a bit troubling was the fact that we hadn't visited for about four years.  Four years!  What kind of friend am I?

     During our conversation,  I realized what unique and great qualities God has given Gene:  thoughtfulness, his listening ear, wisdom, and also his fantastic mind which provides the ability to instantly recall detailed moments of history.  Gene also challenges my thoughts and personal convictions, helping me dive into the 'why' verses taking someone else's word for it.

     Gene has been present to me during two very unique times in my life:  the decision to leave college sports and pursue financial pursuits (he bought me the Principles of Finance, which I still use to this day); and conversations before and after the death of my mother in 2012 / 2013.

     Also unique about our relationship is the fact that I only knew Gene for about three months before transferring to another college.  Unlike other friendships, our time actually spent together was brief but deep, if I may use such a term.  We share the love of reading, well-written literature, political diversions, and of course, golf.

     Politically, spiritually, philosophically, one might be hard pressed to find any two individuals more diametrically opposed.   However, his kindness extended to me in difficult circumstances,  his personal interest and unique and differing perspectives from my fairly myopic upbringings continue to push me to dig deeper about my beliefs.

    Gene, thanks for being a friend and your willingness to share your life with me.  I am truly honored and rewarded by God for it.

Grace & Peace,

PLW