I went to lunch with my brother, Dr. Joel today. We were sitting there finishing our Mexican heart attacks on a plate when the server brought the bill. Dr. Joel had picked up the tab on this one and she handed him his card back and said, "Joel Hunter?" as lots of people in this town do when they see his name. He responded, "yes... I have a father by the same name you may know."
Most people then launch into some story about how they know Dad and what He has done for them or their friend or mother or cousin or whoever. The stories are nice to hear and really I never get tired of them. But, this lady was different. She didn't even flinch at the mention of Pops. She went on to ask about a brother of ours that is a minister "or something". She has a friend who goes to Summit. But, the conversation turned when Joel introduced me as his other brother. She asked, "now are you the one who recently lost your daughter?" This question is no longer foreign to me, so I politely said yes and thanked her for asking and caring. I really do think it's neat when people care enough to say something.
She eventually went on to talk about her sister, who opened the restaurant 28 years ago that had passed 2 years ago. She teared up a bit as she felt my pain and her own all in one fell swoop. I knew we had connected in a way that not everyone is capable of. She had followed Ava from afar and felt her story as she relived the pain of losing her sister 2 years ago. She talked of the reminders of seeing the restaurant she built everyday and the things her sister had written as she built the business from nothing. It was meaningful to me. She asked how I was doing and we chatted for a moment.
I have a new friend. I forget her name already, but it doesn't matter. It was a great reminder that so many around me walk around with broken parts of their lives every single day.
It was also a reminder that there is only one healer, only one who can make us whole again someday. His name is Jesus and he promises that following Him leads to eternal wholeness. He is the author and finisher of our faith.
I just remembered. Her name is Missy. And she is a friend.
