“Sally! Oh my goodness! So good to see you! Do you realize it has been twenty eight years since we worked together?”
I was attending a retirement party for a former professional colleague. We worked together when I was resident and kept in touch during the ensuing years. In attendance were many colleagues with whom we both worked, most of whom I had not seen since I completed my residency. Sally and I were elated to catch up on each other’s lives.
“Looking forward to retirement? Planning lots of fishing trips, I bet!”
Sally’s eyes lit up. “Oh yes! But most of my time is spent with the family. With my father passing away a few years ago, I want to make sure I take care of my mother and see my siblings.” She paused then hugged me. “Thank you for recording his song for his memorial service!”
As I drove home, I had mixed emotions. I was gratified to see Sally and other friends, yet there were many others who were no longer with us, including Sally’s father. A few years earlier, another friend and I recorded a song that her father wrote. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him but I learned he was a man of many talents, including a talented piano player and songwriter. When he passed away, Sally asked me if I could record his song so that it could be played at his funeral.
When my parents passed away several years ago, many friends of my parents, most of whom I did not know, took the time to write me kind letters or send me objects that were meaningful to both of them. They expressed their love to my family by honoring their love for my parents.
So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of God to?”
Ziba said to the king, “There is still Jonathan’s son who was injured in both feet.” The king asked him, “Where is he?” Ziba answered the king, “You’ll find him in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.” So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, fell facedown, and paid homage. David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied. “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “since I intend to show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields, and you will always eat meals at my table.”
2 Samuel 9:3-7 (CSB)
In this touching story, King David desired to honor his predecessor’s family. This act of kindness was unprecedented in that day and very uncommon even in this day. David showed his love for King Saul by honoring and caring for his disabled son, Mephibosheth.
Isn’t this how God cares for us? His grace and mercy are extended through His creation for countless generations. I am thankful for my enduring friendship with Sally. I pray that all of my friendships will continue to be blessed by God and I will be able to honor the love they have unselfishly given to me.
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 