Life-Friends

We've all heard how some people come into our lives and make a difference for us.  They help us to see things clearer or show us how to slow down and enjoy life.  I believe God directs our steps in a way to cross paths with those that need our encouragement and motivation, and with those that we get encouragement and motivation from.  As we walk this path called "life" we are in different stages of need and giving. During the time of need, comes along friends who are strong and give of themselves. In the stage of giving, comes along friends that we are able to share of our lessons and lend our strength. 

We met Arne when we were in Romania for two years.  He's from Norway.  We all became instant friends from the day we met.  He has a schoolboy charm about him. He's like one of those soft teddy bear friends. Soft spoken, always smiling and a heart full of love.  It's wonderful how God put us together.  We didn't know when we left Romania in 2008 if we would see each other again, but, kept in touch through emails.  THEN, he wrote and said he wanted to visit America. He was our guest for 9 wonderful days. The timing of his visit was a God-time. Back in January he met a lady and they soon became friends. Last month (June) he just turned 40.  Neither of them have been married.  He was a little uncertain of it all, but, there was an excitement in him and as it turned out, he missed her very much every day. It was wonderful to be part of it and see it develop as he shared emails and text messages. She missed him too.

Arne had a lot of questions about...understanding a woman.  Wow! Now, that's a closet full!  Where do you begin on that one! It just so happens (here's the God timing) that John was just beginning a new book with the men at our church..."For Men Only" AND, it's all about understanding your wife or girlfriend!!  Quite the timing wouldn't you say?  So, Arne, attended the first night and returned home with a BIG smile and a huge heart of thanks.  The guys gave him a book and they all signed it. They laid hands upon him and prayed for him and his relationship. He was quite touched.

He left for CA a couple of days ago...we miss him.  Be open. Open to all God puts before your path. From the grocery clerk, neighbor, co-worker...or...the unexpected of one crossing by from half way around the world!  With God...all things are possible.