Our day started with a list of appointments, one of which included a visit to the dentist.
Everything was going as planned until my husband called to say he was scheduled for emergency oral surgery.
In a not so peaceful disposition, I rearranged my day and headed to the doctor’s office. I prayed while driving but it wasn’t nearly enough to settle the uneasiness.
After arriving I decided to send a quick email and spend the remaining time in prayer. Just as I settled in a little boy stood in front of me. He didn’t say hello or tell me his name. His blue eyes connected with mine and he asked, “Will you be my best friend?”
I paused a moment and then closed my laptop. “Sure! And since we’re going to be best friends, let’s get to know each other.” We talked about all sorts of things. I discovered he preferred art over sports. And he liked most fruits except peaches because, they look like a “butt”. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t supposed to say that.
When I asked if he liked to write stories he turned to his Mom who said “he can’t because his hands shake.”
After a while they called Jamison back for his exam. When he returned, he asked if I would move my things so he could sit beside me. Our conversation continued for almost an hour.
By the time Frank was finished, the nurse called my friend to the back. We took a picture, hugged and said our goodbyes but I couldn’t stop thinking about him. The next morning in prayer the Lord unpacked the experience and the tears began to roll.
Earlier that week 2 Samuel 7:1-17 was the focus of my devotion. It recounts the story of David’s desire to build a house for the Lord. He consults the prophet Nathan who initially gives the go ahead to do everything that's in his heart .
However during the night the Lord reveals a different set of instructions and Nathan returns to deliver the word of the Lord. As I reflected on the passage, I realized there was a thread of humility intricately woven throughout the verses.
Desiring to honor God, seeking counsel, admitting wrong and yielding to a “No”when your preference is “Yes” are all beautiful examples of humility.
But God wasn't finished. He orchestrated an encounter with an 8 year old boy to personify the lesson. You see Jamison didn't just ask if I would be his friend. He asked if I would be his best friend. He willingly shared his world and favorite things in order to be known. To some extent we all long for the same.
Right away I noticed Jamison’s hands shook beyond his control. But he didn't try to hide them. He was beautifully transparent. Unfortunately I've been guilty of working hard to conceal or fix things that shake instead of laying them bare at the Father’s feet.
And if the other things weren’t enough, Jamison echoed what the Lord had been whispering for months. “Move that over and come closer.” God was speaking to me about laying down what I hoped to hold forever. He was calling me to surrender what I loved to love Him more. I was traveling the road to nearness and it required deeper humility.
To say things didn’t turn out that day the way we planned is an understatement. Our schedule took twists and turns that led to a holy encounter. And, I’m glad it did because in those moments Jamison needed a best friend and I needed him.
Your Sister Friend,
