A Day to Remember

6th Apr 2009 was my eldest daughter's birthday.

We had a feast, cake and all that you would expect in a birthday celebration. It was also the first time I did not take part in the feasting or eat the cake. I was instead fasting and praying for a dear brother in Christ who was scheduled to give part of his liver the next day to his elder sister who was in danger of dying from acute liver failure.

This is a dear brother whose friendship God has blessed me with in the last 10 years. He's a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

When he first shared about his sister's condition, I had no doubt that he would give of his liver to save her. He's someone whom you can feel the heartbeat of Christ. He had often placed others' needs before his own.

When I saw him at the hospital last evening, he looked tired but was mentally alert and retained his sense of humour. He introduced me to his relatives as "my boss". It was a long forgotten title as we last worked together many years ago. I gently corrected him and said that I am his friend.

Friendship is not cheap and loose, as it appears to be on social networks like Facebook. It is certainly not a stepping stone to a better career or business opportunity. Friendship is an honour and exclusive privilege. It does not come about through obligations but is birthed only when we open our hearts and lives to each other. As friends, we see each other as equal, fellow travellers in this journey of life. As friends, we love, respect and are concerned about each other.

I looked at my friend in the eye even though his eyes were shut most of the time. His hand felt cold and weak when I held it in my own. I was touched when he mustered his strength to ask me to pray for him. I would have prayed for him without his asking. What I can do for him is so little compared to what he has done for his sister. In love, he has laid all on the altar, trusting God to use him to save his sister, not just physically but also spiritually.

We shared a prayer. Nothing eloquent or fanciful. Just words from one heart to another. A thanksgiving to God for his grace and mercy, for this wonderful fellowship between friends that came amidst a challenging situation.

I'm grateful to God for a successful operation for my friend. I'm grateful to Him for sending this dear brother into my life, for showing me what it means to love sacrificially.

Tim, thank you for being a friend, and Lydia, thank you for sharing Tim with so many whom God has used him to touch, including me. May God's love and favour continue to rest upon you as you walk with Him.

Thomas