“He works for the good of those who love Him, who’ve been called to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28
Still in their teens, Matt and
Nicole were adorable newlyweds, her perky optimism, his laugh contagious. They
told hilariously frank stories, one finishing where the other left off. They
glowed with love, youth, and health.
Thirteen years
later, they enjoyed a comfortable life, two young daughters, and a common
friend of uncommon affinity. Their script changed with Nicole’s ovarian cancer
diagnosis. With it came the shock of mortality, a husband’s emotional trauma,
and a dear friend’s refusal to let it happen.
After hearing the heartbreaking
news, their close friend, Dane, traveled the few hundred miles to offer support
and encouragement. He knew almost immediately that her story would have no surprise
ending, no miraculous cure, no illusions of dignity.
Dane decided to
stay for a few days and help where he could. His visit grew into weeks and ultimately
two years. He left behind his life - a job, a girlfriend, and his own ambitions
- to help with the overwhelming tasks of caregiving.
Dane
took on the concurrent roles of housekeeper, babysitter, and caregiver, especially
during periods when Nicole's condition deteriorated. He cooked, cleaned, did
the laundry, and went grocery shopping to help all the family maintain some
sense of normalcy.
He
was also there for his friend, reminding him to sleep, eat, and at one point Dane
even arranged a hiking trip for the two of them so Matt wouldn’t burn out. It
was a story of friendship so deep, so kind, and so enduring that it almost
seemed fictitious.
Despite
his selfless efforts, nothing could stop Nicole’s steady decline. He couldn’t
stop the girls from losing their Mom and his buddy from losing his wife. Yet
his presence honored the rarity of a faithful friend who showed when needed most;
willing to both sharpen and soothe.
“Dane’s
my hero, Matt admitted. “He also just happens to be my best friend.” He’s not
perfect, but he’s a close-to-perfect friend.”
Their
story speaks volumes about what it means to love someone and how faith in God
can carry people through even the most difficult times. None of that would have
been possible without His earthly Angel. It reminds us that the job of a “faithful
friend” is a High calling.
The
loneliness and brutality of this life can’t possibly be endured without
relationships. By God’s design, we are essentially social beings. The myth of autonomy
- that life is best when totally self-reliant, unencumbered, and accountable only
to yourself - is a devastating falsehood.
It’s
especially true today when it’s easy to isolate and pretend “social connectedness”
that masks real loneliness. We need each other and are happiest when we acknowledge
that need.
Thank You, Lord, for sharing Your joy with
the world. Help us not take for granted the gift of Your gospel with the
nations, and our neighbors. Open our eyes to see the needs around us and
respond to those needs with joy and hope. Amen
