The Relentless Year

Since August, I have lost two friends to motorcycle accidents and another was taken seriously ill.

When life gets going, sometimes it just doesn't know how to let up.

Today's friend spotlight is on someone who is very dear to me.

My friend Robert is an amazing man. I've known him since I was young, I can't really remember a time when Robert was not around. He's the associate pastor at our church and has always been there for me. He's always thrilled to see me, asks my parents about me, gives the greatest hugs and the firmest handshakes. He ALWAYS wears a bow tie - which is the ultimate gentleman. Plus, he always smells so good!

Robert, along with Sherri and Don, walked me through two or three years of Disciple while I was in high school. I learned fellowship here. I learned how important small groups are. Those three taught me that adults could be cool, they can be trusted, but most of all, they taught me that adults can be your friends and that is an awe-inspiring thing when you're a teenager. I had a rough time in high school and these three kept me grounded and sane at a time I needed them the most. I was devastated to leave them behind, though I think I never really did.

Through all of my travels, my time away from home, Robert has always encouraged me. He knows my heart and knows that all I have ever wanted to do is go home. One day. He understands needing to fly before coming home to build a nest. He emails me to say he's thinking about me and that he's praying for me and it's funny how those emails always seem to come on a day when I need them the most.

He wrote me a couple months ago to ask me to join him in Israel, a trip my family is on. I had to decline because I had already paid for a diving trip to Raja Ampat, but I promised I would see him in December and I made him promise to take me next time they journey to the Holy Land.

Life sure does know how to toss a mean curve ball, but I was one step ahead of it, for once. You see, when Robert is able to travel home to Louisiana, which I pray is so so soon, I will only be half a heartbeat behind him. Because I know that this is one man that I need to spend more time with.

Those reasons to get home as fast as possible continue to pile up. I will have the wings of Hermes on my feet when I get back from diving. Rarely have I been so eager to move on to the next adventure! And I am so fortunate to be able to spend time with the people in my life I love the most before having to worry about moving on to my next situation. Macau definitely has it's bonuses!

Robert, my bottom line for this post is this: I have been praying harder for you since the moment I found out than I think I ever have in my life. You mean the world to me and I will not stop praying for you until I can get one of those hugs from you. Or maybe this time, I can give you a hug because you have given me so many. I love you, I miss you, and I cannot wait to see you for Christmas!