A Long and Winding Road Back to the Future

My best friend’s name is Steve. He’s like a brother to me. We met one day at the pool house in my apartment complex where his band was rehearsing. I happened to be there using the laundry facilities and heard the music. I was writing and recording music at that time and needed a bassist, so I approached him and thus began a friendship that has lasted over 20 years.

Life took us in different directions over the years, but we kept in touch and in 2000 we ended up in the same city again. We didn’t plan it that way, but we were both happy to get to hang out with each other again.

We went through a lot of life together the past 21 years. But the most significant thing that happened is that we both found salvation. It happened at different times, but by 2003 we had both exchanged our lives for the life of Christ, and our friendship became even stronger.

Steve recently left his job. It was a difficult decision but one he had to make. I knew he’d find another job quickly. He’s smart and educated and one of the best in his field. Well, he found a job alright, 1200 miles away.

After a lot of discussion with his wife, and a lot of prayer they accepted the job and they feel God has opened a door that they must go through.

I’ve been a little mad at God the past few days as the day drew near for Steve to leave. I couldn’t understand why God would orchestrate our reunion only to move him away from me again. But I realize that God puts people in our lives for a reason, and the impact that Steve has had in my life is immeasurable. He helped open the door that led me to begin asking questions about Christ, and ultimately finding Him. It took my past to help me find my future.

I know there is a purpose to everything God does, and although I’m unhappy about seeing my friends leave, I know that they go with God in their hearts and they are going somewhere that God needs them. Knowing this makes me feel better, and perhaps someday we'll end up in the same town again.

Vaya con Dios my friends.

“God, please guide and protect my friends as they begin this new phase of their lives. Bless them, and hold them close to you always. Amen.”