Author | Steve

This is where my son, Austin, slept for the past 3 months in our good friend’s basement.

It’s empty now. Jamie and I put him on a plane a couple days ago to go see his grandparents in Texas. The ride to the airport was a heavy silence, broken only by quiet sobs for the loss of a precious season with friends.

This quiet scene, deep in the recesses of my friend’s home – bare light bulb, exposed framing, and empty bed – this is my heart in these last days of saying good-bye and thanking Jesus for such good friends. There is a growing emptiness that takes away my breath. It rolls over each of us in random waves that leave us wet-eyed, exhausted, but also…grateful.

Jamie woke up the other day with the words of this old hymn on her lips:

Be still, my soul; though dearest friends depart

And all is darkened in the vale of tears;

Then you will better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.

Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay

From His own fullness all He takes away.

 

Be still, my soul; the hour is hast’ning on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

For all of you whom I have the pleasure to call “friend,” I give thanks to Jesus. Your companionship, your prayers, your laughter and your tears, your comfort, your kick-in-the-butt…your presence in my life has helped me know Jesus better. As Austin would say, “I wish we could all live on the same street together.” And one day, by faith in Him, we will!