Three Years

I first met him in the small town of Paris just south of the Oklahoma border in the great state of Texas. At the time, I had no idea that he was going to have more influence on my life than nearly anyone else. I had just gone through the whole experience of being born so I probably wasn’t on my best behavior or trying to impress anyone.

He told me more than once that he cried the first time he saw me… and in almost a total reverse of events, I cried the last time I saw him.

That figure of influence, strength and love that I referred to as my Dad passed away exactly 3 years ago today.

Many of you share memories of him with us from time to time. Sometimes you just let us know that you haven’t forgotten. How can I tell you that your kindness is like a wonderful Snickers candy bar.

Although I remember clearly nearly every detail of those last days of his life, I don’t think either one of us, dear reader would benefit from reliving some of those tough moments.

We must hold in fond remembrance the good and lovely parts of life and allow the wash of time and tide to gently obscure the pain of those searing experiences….

As we get older and allow ourselves to reflect on our lives, we realize that God has really been there each step of the way.

Three years ago today, I left the hospital in Denver Colorado around 6 AM and drove a couple of blocks down the street. I was by myself. My wife was back at the Denver guest house with our 3 boys where we had been staying for the last couple of days. I texted her and told her I was going to stop for breakfast.

I pulled off the main road and parked by the sign that showed a leaping, apparently caffeinated animal and stated below in large letters: Caribou Coffee.

Inside, it was the early morning crowd. Nobody was in Pajamas. These people were up for a reason, and making it count. Hairs were combed and eyes were bright and looking out at the world.

I took my steaming cup of black coffee and oatmeal and started looking for a place to sit. Near the edge of the room a man sat that looked strikingly like my dad.

On the table in front of him lay an open Bible with yellow highlights splashed across the page, and his bowl of oatmeal. There was an open chair across the table, and I found myself sitting in it.

No introduction.

I just sat there and finally managed to say, “My dad just passed away” before the dam broke of emotions from the previous hours.

He just held out his hand. I took it while he prayed. He prayed a long time. He prayed about everything. Even though I’d only spoken 5 words, he knew just what to pray for.

Caribou Coffee in the middle of Denver, Colorado at 6 in the morning. A meeting was brought together by the One who holds the stars, and I’ll never forget it.

I never got your last name, Dave.. but I wish I had a chance to thank you again for your faithfulness to God’s appointments , and taking the time I needed that morning 3 years ago.

I like to think about what my dad would often say, “We can anticipate what God has for us.” Even in that moment of grief and turmoil, God prepared and placed Dave there for me at the perfect time. I honestly walked out of there with a different outlook and my faith placed back in God’s hand.

God has taken care of us since then. I can see it.

I’ve been intrigued with the impossible thought of having a chance to sit down with yourself 5 years ago.. 10 years ago…

Or maybe just 3 years ago.

What would I say?

I think I’d say, “Hey, you cocky young man. All this shiny stuff your buying that you think is so important ain’t nothin but a bunch of junk. Nobody is gonna give a rat’s hind end about how much your worth when you take your last breath. Something they will remember though, is how you treated your family and friends. When you have the opportunity to work hard, by all means work your tail off. When God places something else in your path for you to do, do it with all your strength and don’t forget where that strength came from. When your with your family, be with them in body, mind and soul. Don’t take your family for granted. Even though sometimes it might look impossible, trust and believe. Even when the things you’ve thought would always be there are gone, trust and believe. God WILL take care of you if you let HIM.”

“Young man, sit back down. I’ve got one more thing before you go. This moment is the only one you have. Live it for God.”

…and maybe that’s good advice for me today as well.