I haven’t written in awhile, but this I must share.
A little over a week ago, before I left for Young Life camp in Saranac Lake, I sent an email to several folks asking for each of them to pray for my time there with kids. I included my dad in this message, though I’m not sure where he stands on God (or more so praying) right now. Ever since I began a relationship with Jesus at a young age, I’ve tried to talk to him about it. But over the last several years, I’ve done my best to step back slightly, throw my hands up in the air and surrender his heart completely to the Lord. I’ve learned that even with the most inspirational words I can muster, God will be the only one to change him. By the way, I feel okay sharing this story with you since I don’t think he’s much of a blog reader (even of mine).
After reading my email, he sent me back a sweet reply letting me know he would be thinking of me. He also told me that he forwarded my email on to his friend Erich, a Christian guy I know to have been pursuing a friendship with my dad for a while now. I can tell my dad respects this man, which is a huge answer to prayer. I mean, not only to have an older gentleman caring for my father, but for my dad to not run in the other direction - wow.
Erich sent me a personal message thanking me for what I was doing with Young Life, and mentioned that he too would be praying; I was so overwhelmed with gratitude for this man I had never met. Once home from camp, I thanked him for everything - most importantly, loving my dad so well. I also, feeling bold, asked one request: “please don’t give up on him.” And this was Erich’s response:
You can count on me Laura. With the Lord as my strength, I will stay the course! He is very special to me. I can’t imagine eternity without him! With you on one side, us on the other and the Lord before him he has nowhere else to go but up!Hope your camp went well.Blessings,
Erich
