Voyagers in Passing (God Moments)

By chance they come.  At first, a mere spec.  In time, the blemish rises from behind the line that separates water from sky and a silhouette begins to materialize.  Tiny but discernible nonetheless.  A rare few approach to a distance where flag and registry are perceptible - albeit the aid of binoculars is required.  So vast the ocean.  So meager the deeds of man.

Still, we watch and wonder not only of those that have passed but of those that have yet to appear.  When will the next sighting occur?  Where are these ships destined?   What burdens do they bear?  What stresses have their hulls endured?  What lessons are theirs to share?

As with those ships that traverse the endless waters, so too are our relationships with our fellow souls as we each journey through a unique, uncharted life. The vast majority voyage past....unnoticed.  Much like the proverbial ships that pass in the night.  Others, whose numbers seem large but are in fact puny relative to the whole, race past on the freeway or grocery store isle and leave a conscious mark little more than a blur.  Then again, some are routinely encountered with meetings marked by the casual glance and an inner will to move along before any actual connection is developed.  Brief and fleeting is the norm.  Still, a few relations quickly join and yes, flourish as the winds of fate carry two wayfarers forward in tandem.  On they go within the joy of relationship - God given and memorable.  Then, without warning or intent, those special people that truly touch our lives are gone. The air roars into a gale or possibly fades to complete stillness….and the union breaks.  The drift apart is irreversible and the void between ever widens.  Is there blame to be placed?  Perhaps the truth of the matter lies in the fact that no one stays in one place - physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Nonetheless, there are a mere handful, dare I say precious, relationships that survive the test of time.  These connections are defined by a bond that defies all logic, and indeed, not only grow stronger as the waves of life carry us forward but as the froth turns back and against as well.

A few days before we set sail on this adventure, my friend of 47 years, a man named Harold, died. 

While our tacks varied, as dictated by life’s winds, our courses crossed again and again over the years.  Each encounter strengthening the friendship.  In time, we knew each other’s joy and also came to trust the other with insights into our respective individual demons.  Harold never flinched.  Humbly, I would like to think that he found my support of him in like measure.

I miss my friend.

Assuredly, life in the here and now is a mystery.  How much more-so life after death.  Regardless, Harold had a simple faith….and simple is the best kind of faith….in The Savior.  I’m consoled by the knowledge that Harold is now with Christ Jesus and in that communion, Harold’s joy is full.   The thought makes me smile.

And that belief is enough for now.