I was just on faculty for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Sweet conferee Dee Dee Parker wrote this article for one of the contests at the conference, and it so touched me that I asked if she’d mind if I shared it with you. I’m glad she agreed to let me do that…
The church bus arrived at its usual time carrying its usual passengers. A man both slight in stature and younger in face than his actual age sat in the front seat, most certainly not in usual church attire. Buddy was wearing an Indian headdress.
Entering the sanctuary, Buddy moved down the aisle, still wearing his headgear. He spoke to everyone he passed and after shaking their hands, took a seat next to an elderly member.
The older man, Amos, as well as the entire congregation knew and loved Buddy. Amos greeted Buddy then pointed to his own hat sitting beside him on the pew. Buddy, understanding Amos’ gesture, removed the headdress and like Amos, sat his “hat” on the pew.
I glanced across the isle at Buddy; his eyes focused on the pastor, listening to every word, the lesson exploring friendship from a biblical viewpoint. The pastor read several Scriptures where Jesus declared He was mankind’s friend. Wondering how much of the teaching Buddy comprehended, I said a silent prayer asking Jesus to open his mind to understanding.
At the end of the lesson the pastor passed a flower sign-up sheet. Our church is small, and to keep expenses down, members volunteer to provide flower arrangements for each week of the year. On the sign-up sheets were boxes indicating if the flowers were to be provided in memory or honor of, or being offered in the celebration of a birthday or anniversary.
Knowing I was responsible for the flowers, Buddy asked me to explain the purpose of the boxes on the sign-up sheet. I smiled and did so. Satisfied with my explanation, he disappeared into the crowd. Retrieving the sign up-sheet I checked to see if all the weeks were covered with flower donations. Near the end of the list of names, crudely written, was Buddy’s.
I decided when Buddy’s turn came to provide flowers I would bring an arrangement, giving it in Buddy’s name.
Several months later, Buddy’s Sunday finally arrived, and I walked through the front door stopping short of the flower table. In a mason jar were three faded, plastic flowers.
I was certain I knew the origin of the petals. Our church sits next to a cemetery, and the bus parks in front of the cemetery gate. Next to the gate is a large trash barrel used to dispose of discarded flowers.
I spotted a piece of paper beside the flowers, and I read the heartwarming words. These flowers are from Buddy in honor of his BEST friend, Jesus.
Buddy had understood the Scripture concerning friendship; indeed, he’d understood it better than most. Jesus is not only our Lord and Savior, but also our best friend. And Buddy gave because Jesus commanded us to give.
I believe a more beautiful bouquet never bloomed. I also believe Jesus smelled the sweet fragrance of Buddy’s flowers in the very halls of heaven.
Is Jesus your best friend? Do you listen to his commands and strive to honor Him?
“You are my friend if you do what I command you.” (John 15: 14)
