My Friend, Phyllis Day 380

1 Samuel 20:42  Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, "The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever."  Then David left and Jonathan went back to the town.

That pretty much sums up my friendship with my dear friend, Phyllis.  In June I helped she and her husband Bobby move to North Carolina to be closer to family; Bobby`s failing health was Phyllis` main concern.  The move allowed Phyllis and I to spend several days together, as we unpacked and tried to make this new house feel like, home sweet home!  Lots of works, but a blessing to spend the time together; I flew home to Maryland leaving Phyllis to begin a new chapter in her life, in North Carolina.

Bobby struggled to make the necessary adjustments, but he was as happy as a clam, with his gigantic shed in the back yard.  He had his own mini-hide-away and was surrounded by all of his "stuff."  However, with his declining health and dementia, he could only visit his "stuff."  But I`m sure that this gave him great peace and joy.

Peace and joy, isn`t that really all that we need?  I can imagine that Bobby may have enjoyed the tranquility and peace of mind as he was surrounded by  his familiar "stuff."   Perhaps, his shed was a safe haven and a place where he and Jesus could spend private time together.  Luke 24:36  While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

Phyllis and I had not spoken on the phone since her move, but we had chatted on facebook many times;  I knew that she was okay, and she knew that I was okay!  Sunday night, as I prepared to visit the healing service at Kent Island, I received a phone call from my friend.  I heard the pain and distress in her voice as she requested prayers for her beloved husband, Bobby.  Linda, they say that he`s not going to make it through the night, they have called all the family in.

I struggled to hold back tears, I relied on the Holy Spirit  for strength and the rights words to satisfy Phyllis` request.  I thank God, that my friend Gabby was standing beside me; her presence made this difficult task do able!  I prayed, Phyllis and I shared tears of love and support that distance could not separate!  My heart was breaking for her, knowing that she was loosing her "best friend."

A short four hours later, Bobby was called home to rest in eternal peace with Jesus!  John 3:16  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Father God, I thank you for the love and friendship that Phyllis and I share, thank you for Bobby and the depth of his love for my dear friend, Phyllis!  AMEN.......

rest in peace Pappy!