“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless
and widows [and friends -my addendum] in their affliction…” -James 1:27

December 20 Lydia and I went to visit an 89 year old friend that I have known all my life, but I hadn’t seen him for many years. He worked for my dad for 40 some years. I worked with him many times. I learned much of the plumbing trade from him. I can’t remember a time that I did not know him. He was in a wheelchair in his home. We surprised him, but he was alert and happy to see us. He welcomed us into his home. We talked old times and former friends and old work sites and jobs for a half hour or so and then left. Two weeks later he died unexpectantly.

On Jan 4 I was honored to be invited to the Nelson Coblentz family celebration of their father Emanuel’s 98th birthday celebration. A joyous family time of talking, laughing, story telling and singing. One week later Emanuel died. I guess at 98 years old, it was not totally unexpected.

On January 16 I called a distant cousin to ask about some family genealogy. He wasn’t feeling good and told me he had a Dr. appointment the next day. He died that night, 5 hours later!

I began to think I should not call or visit anybody! Maybe I am the reason they are dying.

Well, of course that is not true. An 89 year old man, a 98 year old and a sick cousin… it was God’s time for each of them. But it got me to thinking: I was so glad I had visited or called each one. We never know when it might be the last time we see or talk to someone.

So… I said all that to say this: We flew to Sarasota for a weekend to attend the birthday party of a friend. Three days in a place 1100 miles away. Last minute expensive plane tickets. For a three hour party! Why would a responsible person do something that foolish? Crazy!

We had been invited by his wife a month ago, but we told her that we would not be able to attend. We were not going to be in Sarasota this year until mid February. Then last Tuesday morning at a Bible study and friend asked,
“Are you going ot Dan’s birthday party?”
“Dan who?”
“Dan Miller.”
I had forgotten all about it. Since I wasn’t going, I had put it out of my mind. But the more I thought about it, the more I think my subconscience mind was saying, “Go. The time is right. Life is short…”

I looked at my calendar. It was clear. I came home and told Lydia,
“Let’s go to Dan’s birthday party and surprise him.”
“You’re crazy!” is basically what she said.
“What’s that got to do with it?” I asked. (She knew I was crazy when she married me.)

Well, we went. I would have gone by myself, but it was Lydia’s birthday also and I didn’t want to abandon her on her special day. So, we both went.

When I told a classmate what I was planning to do, he said, “Seize the moment. Go for it. Or as your book says, ‘Show Up.’ Have a safe trip.”

It was not a smart move finacially. It could be called irresponsible. It didn’t fit our schedule…

-Last minute tickets: way too expensive.
-Hotels: We stayed with friends.
-Meals: Fairly expensive.
-Parking at the airport: $45.00
-Office time lost: I’m way behind.

-The look on our friend’s face (and his wife’s) when we arrived; PRICELESS!