Rediscovering An Old Friend

On my recent trip to Cebu, I spent a few hours getting reacquainted with a friend. After some 17 or 18 years, our tendency is to think that we know someone and have them pegged in a hole or placed in a box with a specific label. But people have a way of surprising us. 

During our long conversations over coffee, I looked at him and saw someone I wish I saw all those years ago. How tender his heart is and how sensitive; with a quiet strength that I wish I had and a sweet spirit that anyone would love being next to. It’s not that he had suddenly morphed into this new person. I had a glimpse of it when we travelled overseas and on the road trips we’ve taken. I even pointed it out to a mutual friend. But I suspect that he had always been this way and I simply failed to notice it because I couldn’t see past my own nose. If there’s anything I learned as I matured it’s that people are multifaceted and oftentimes we have to pay attention to see all the other sides. 

As he related some of the stories that I read from his social media posts and saw the set of his jaw, the fire in his eyes, and the look on his face that was equal parts wistful, relieved, and thankful, I realized that those same stories are not merely snapshots of his life as I previously viewed them; they are pieces of his heart. And when he shared the struggles he’s had in his ministry, family, and relationships, his plans for the future, the questions he’s waiting for answers to, and the dreams birthed through a life surrendered to God, I saw his childlike trust, the silent resolve in his eyes, and the unmistakable strength of character reflected in the decisions he’s made. I had to hold back tears.

M,

Anyone would be blessed to know you; your heart, your mind, your soul, your spirit. I wish I could be around your positivity over shots of espresso and blueberry cheesecake anytime I want to, but, alas, oceans separate our worlds. Thank you for sharing with me some of the time you could’ve spent sleeping or drafting sermons, patiently tolerating my jet lag addled brain, and for being so candid and trusting me with pieces of your story. You blessed me with some much-needed levity and distraction. 

I am convinced that God has something wonderful in store for you. And He will use every heartache, all the good, the bad, and the ugly for His glory. Stay strong, courageous, and faithful. Till our next coffee session (or road trip), whether in Cebu or anywhere else in the world!

-J

P.S. I meant it when I said I feel wiser now.

Time.