A friend loves...

Yesterday was a long day filled with nothing.  Yet, in the midst of nine hours of nothing, there was something.  

My husband and I have an employee who came to work for us mere days before his wife asked him to leave. We were strangers, knowing only that he was a fellow Christian, married 19 years with four kids.  He stayed with his brother for a few weeks until their guest room was needed by another. He stayed in a hotel after that. And then he came to live with us. Six months ago.

In the midst of all his heartache - a divorce he did not ask for, kids his wife would not let him see, a boyfriend his wife met at work - he remained optimistic, cheerful and was a joy to be around. Wow. I marveled at his attitude. His choice to wake up each day and look at the bright side, despite the dark clouds, was truly an inspiration. For six months, we've eaten together, prayed together, worshiped together, laughed, cried and cared. Mostly, we've laughed. And over the past many months, my husband has become a good friend to him. 

About two weeks ago, our friend moved into a place of his own. Our kids still come home each day and look to see if he's here. He always has gum. They like gum. They run to find him. He's not here.  

Yesterday, his divorce became final. We were there, in the dreary court, sitting in the glossy hall as the minutes crept into hours.  As we sat doing nothing, I saw something. My husband. A friend who loves at all times. He didn't just love his friend when it was convenient or when it was easy. A friend loves at all times. Isn't that what we are all called to do? Proverbs 17:17