Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend … Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:9-10, 17)
I went to see my friend yesterday. He’s more than a friend. He’s a mentor, a discipler, a catalyst. He takes grave interest in me, counsels me, and best of all, he prays for me. (Really,
effectively prays). A powerful leader still, I never talk to him that he has not prepared 2-3 things he wants to talk with me about. I always realize later that God had rich purposes in our conversations.
Don is 92 and in extraordinary health, except for one little thing: his heart. He discovered several months ago that he has a 100%, 95%, and 90% blockage in the arteries of his heart and an aneurysm. Upon discovery, the doctor took away his driver’s license, and worst of all, told him he can’t preach, which he’s done all his life.
Don has always been a quick and wise decider. He had already moved to his son’s city, but upon this news, he moved into a place that could give more care (although he barely needs anything). He told me that he wasted a few days at the first and then thought, “This just will not do,” so he developed a regular daily routine. Rising before dawn, he would spend the mornings in study of God’s Word. A lifelong pastor, he’d continue to mine the unsearchable depths of the mind and heart of God. (He’s forever excited as a schoolboy over some new truth).
The rest of each day is carefully planned and joyfully executed, including 40 minutes of exercise. He said, “Bill, one day I realized that I had a roof over my head, good food, a warm bed, and all I needed. And so, I decided that I would sit down right here and enjoy the presence of God.” This, for Don, doesn’t mean a casual acknowledgement of his Father, but a continual, aggressive pursuit of the One that has pursued him all his life. He has more time to know God, and it's his honor and joy.
And then he said with a twinkle in his eye that had seen nine decades plus, “I believe this may be the best season of my life!”
I sat down this morning and carefully recorded three important truths I learned (once again) from Don. There’s much to say, but he deeply impacted me yesterday. I’m sure he doesn’t realize how profoundly he influences those around him—a humble man never does.
I’m just eternally grateful he’s my friend.
