My Friend Louie

Perhaps you have a friend that came into your life for just a season. And just like that, that friend had to relocate for a very good reason. I really do not recall that there was much we ever had in common. But without a doubt, I loved when to their home we were summoned. Whenever my wife and I were there, I hated when it was time to go. He and his wife are most precious, people we are proud to know. Several years ago when they decided to move away, I greatly opposed. I later learned theirs was a selfless move, and I was selfish I suppose. It was in a study group that I got the news about our friends leaving, And we each took our turn to pray about the reality of their moving. I even recall a few sincere words I used in my prayer to The Lord. "If I were you, I'd simply tell them to forget about it Dear Lord". I suspect that what Louie and I had was something I never had before. My conversations with him were rare, the kind I came to love and adore. I saw in Louie no trace of mask or fake, but pure unadulterated genuiness. We often disagreed and had heated debates without any duress or distress. I have seen Louie once or twice since they moved away to Lone Star State. I miss my friend Louie, especially the way we orchestrated those debates. 031720PoSp