Revisiting (Proverbs 18:14)

My cell phone was flashing a familiar name from my past. It was Jake. I had not seen him in person in over 8 years and had no communication over the last 3 years. A flood of memories washed through my mind as I saw the name. Twenty-three years earlier we were closer than brothers. Jake was my best man at my wedding and his wife had introduced me to my wife. For many sad reasons, our relationship was torn apart and he eventually moved out of the area and we only sparingly kept in touch. 

I answered the call and we both began the phone conversation cautiously, exchanging polite pleasantries. He was calling to tell me about a mutual friend of ours. Slowly we eased into familiar territory, speaking about our families and our jobs. As we spoke, there was no mention of the events that led to our estrangement. We ended the call on an upbeat note and since that call, we have regularly spoken on the phone and communicated via emails and text messages. 

We were both reaching out and reaching back to our former relationship of happier times, unhindered by the uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust upon us. One recent article was entitled, “The pandemic is pushing people to revisit relationships that fell apart.” As one woman confided in the article, “If you’d asked me before quarantine, I would’ve told you there was no hope.” Source: BuzzFeed News

Our phone call was a vivid illustration of this truth. 

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

Proverbs 18:1 (NKJV)

Two individuals, once best friends, separated by stubborn and unwilling spirits to reconcile and heal their relationship. The pandemic has motivated many, including myself, to reach out and attempt to erase or put aside painful memories. My tolerance for pain and self-discipline is quite high. I can endure much hardship when I am undergoing a physical struggle such as working long hours or recuperating from an injury. This is different. Jake and I have broken spirits and it was more than either of us could bear. 

The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?

Proverbs 18:14 (NKJV)

It will take time to completely heal our relationship and undoubtedly there will be many steps backward for every step forward. If I was relying solely upon my efforts, I know I would be discouraged and walk away. Not this time. I am relying upon God to sustain and carry this relationship, to bring reconciliation through the power of His Resurrection, bringing life from death. 

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.