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