The Best Advice Ever...

Once upon a time, there was a boy who really loved a girl. He loved being with her for every time he was with her, everything was better. It did not matter what it was, it just was always better when he was with her. This boy knew he wanted to be with this girl forever, but he was scared to ask her the question. He could not articulate why he was scared, but he knew he was. So this boy asked his friends who had already asked the question and they would always say to the boy – “you’ll just know.” He would always walk away feeling frustrated that he did not know for he had been with this girl for a long time.

Then one day it happened. The boy met with his pastor and asked him the question that he had asked so many before – “how do you know if she is the one?” After making some small talk, the boy just came out with. “Pastor Larry, how do I know if she is the one for me?” Without hesitation, Pastor Larry with boldness, conviction and a smile on his face replied – “when you meet a girl that you have to run to keep with, then you know she is the one for you.” As soon as Pastor Larry spoke, the boy had his answer for he knew that the girl he loved would be one that he would have to run to keep up with.

As not to be confused in this epic tale being spun, running is a metaphor for the spiritual condition of one’s heart and soul. This girl was genuine in her passion of loving Jesus and loving others. If this boy even had a shot to keep up with her nonetheless lead her, there would be no room for lollygagging for he would have to sprint just to keep in step with her. The advice Pastor Larry gave this boy 13 years ago was the best advice ever! Ten days later, the boy put a ring on this girls finger and 4 months after that, this boy stood before 400 people and promised to love this girl forever.

Today is a special day for the girl for she celebrates the day she came into this world. She is more beautiful to the boy today than she was when he first saw her. But there is a beauty that transcends what the eye can see and when one catches a glimpse of this beauty of soul, it both captivates and inspires. The boy continues to be captivated and inspired by the girls love for Jesus and her love for people. She longs to love Him more and be increasingly loving to those who cross her path which makes her ever more beautiful to the boy who loves her more today than when he first asked her the question. There are days when the boy gets tired of running just to keep up with the girl, but he is so thankful that she continues to run so hard.

On this special day when the girl turns 37, the boy wants his girl to hear the words – “keep running.” The girl is now not only making a profound difference in the boy’s life, but in the lives of three little people as well. We all see you and love you. We are all so grateful for you. We are all so blessed and thankful that you’ve run so well so far – keep running for it is a joy to run with you. Happy Birthday K – love m, t, r & c…