Come Away...

By Michael Q. Pink

"As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread." John 21:9 A few days ago my pastor, who is also a dear friend, invited me to spend some time on a ten acre patch of forested land they have here in Florida adjacent to their home. The idea was to get away from the 24/7 demands and stress of fighting a brain cancer that is trying to take over in my wife (but we will not have it and do not claim it as hers!) and find some solace and peace in the midst of this wearying storm. When I met him at the fence line on his property, he walked me down the trail through the woods to a small private campground. The air was crisp and he had a fire built and burning strong in the open to warm us. There were chairs around the campfire with fresh water to quench my thirst. His daughter Jessa had lovingly prepared some food for me which was sitting in a nearby cooler. In case I preferred a warm drink, there was a thermos of hot coffee with cream and sugar if needed. I can't tell you how that made me feel! It brought to mind the image of Jesus lovingly preparing breakfast for the disciples after a long night of fruitless fishing on the Sea of Galilee. He was quite prepared to leave me in my solitude, but a flood of pent up emotional energy came tumbling out of my mouth and he listened, occasionally offering up some insight from real life experience he had. At the end of our time together, I felt like I had met with Jesus with the other disciples by the early morning campfire. A lot of cares melted off my back that day and I went home refreshed and encouraged. Sometimes we don't need a sermon or even a Bible verse... We just need Jesus living through a friend. I am fortunate to have a number of friends like that and one is also my pastor. Thank you also for extending to me your hand of friendship, your heart of compassion and your words of encouragement. For the most recent updates, visit www.BrendaPink.com