Colby’s Thoughts

Today, at 10:41 am, I received the call.

But let’s start with a little history.  One of my best friends passed away on November 18th, 2004.  We had been friends for a dozen years and I felt a part of his family.

We had the most amazing Bible studies in his home, as I recall, one of the topics lasted for almost a year and a half.  To say that those studies ran deep is simplification.

His two daughters and wife are some of the most joyful people I’ve known.  It was understood that should anything happen to him, I would make myself available to help “his girls”.  Then, just before Thanksgiving Day, I received a call.  It was time to make good on a promise.

That was just “a call” and not the subject of this posting.  His daughters, six and eight when I first met them, are still, in many ways, six and eight to me.  True, they have grown to be extraordinary young women of God, taking their rightful places in this world and answering “the call” that God has placed on their lives.  Still, not the subject of this post.

The oldest is married to a Godly husband with a beautiful daughter.  I couldn’t be more proud of her and the decisions she’s made!  I’m sure her father would feel the same.

Today, the call came from the younger sister.  The “six year old” in my mind.  No, she’s not really six, though I had to ask her age since time passes so fast now.  She’s been a missionary to the Philippines for quite some time now.  Among other things, she was house mom for some orphans.  I believe she began that work when she was chronologically 15 or 16 — herself without a father.

Again, her father would be so proud of her, as am I.

Answering the call, I received what some would call a premonition.  Either God was showing me something or I was protecting myself.  Perhaps I’ll never know which one.

I was sort of expecting her to call in order to schedule a holiday visit.  We had discussed such things prior.

From the moment I saw the caller ID, I suspected something different.  I’m not one for “I told you so”, but I think knowing in advance helped me adjust more easily.

What was the call about?  I thought you might like to know.  My “six” year old is engaged to be married.

I am both elated and heartbroken.

One thing I know… her husband-to-be will be very good to her… or else!

Life