I can hear the music. The music of “The Entertainer”. Friends gathered playing our semi annual card game. This game has been going on for about 20 years. These guys are amongst my oldest friends. We know each others warts and we tease each other mercilessly. It is a warped way of showing our affection for one another.
I have a special affection for each one of these guys. I know that some of them visit here. This is my way of saying “Thanks”. “The Sting” is on though...I will explain this later.
Like I said, these guys are special. Teasingly I would say “Special Ed.” They suffer with my inept card dealing which inevitably “screws” the same person over. (This has been going on for years. Personally I think my Buddy John just finds ways to explain away his losses. :) ) What happens is I get caught up in the talk that is going on that I always bumble my dealing. It is always a great time where we find ourselves in the common bond of friendship. We have lived within the boundaries of each others high and low points. Weddings and losses. I love these guys for that.
These guys were there when I got married. Dutifully during the Wedding reception they went outside and and put toilet paper and wrote “Just married” with shaving cream all over my Nissan Sentra. I love the moment when I walk out and see my car. It was too funny...because I was leaving the reception with my Dad's large car to go on my Honeymoon. I still can picture my parents driving the little Nissan with my two younger brothers sitting in the back seat with “Just Married“ on the back window. My mother always reminds me of how embarrassed my brothers were!
These guys were there when my wife died. Cindy, my wife, died about 10 years ago. I always remember this part. It was following the last 8pm wake. I was the last one to leave the funeral home, or so I thought. I made my exit and surrounding my car are all my friends and their wives. Waiting to make sure I was OK. It is this time that I cherish deep inside my heart. That moment is burned within. It is right there along with my wife coming down the aisle and the births of all my boys and my realization that God is Alive.
Thanks Guys.
I know that you all visit here. I really love all of you. But “The Sting” is on. I know that for years you have all teased me about my beliefs and have lived through some of my “idealistic crusades”. I love you guys because I know there is not one of you that has condemned me. It is from our bond of friendship that I call you to explore the existence of God. I would grieve heavily if we are not able to continue this game for eternity. I know that a few of you dabble in Christ. I am not sure to what extent. There is no doubt in my mind that if you ask with a submissive heart for God to show you the extent of his love for you...that he will lead you to Him.
It would be the most wonderful “Sting” , to see you all in Christ...
Our Nickle and Dime Game continuing in Heaven... Glorifying His Name.