A few days ago, I ran across an old friend of mine. Someone that I knew for so many years. I remember this person so well and he was always happy and always looking for the next best thing in life. On this day, my friend looked happy, strong, and had a smile that would light up the room. He made me feel comfortable even though we haven’t seen each other in years.

But he told me that on the inside he was lonely and scared. I was looking at him and I just couldn’t see it. I just wanted to tell him but nothing really came out. I just stood there looking at him.

When I was standing there he would just stare back at me. He smiled back at me when I smiled at him. We both laughed at random times. Honestly, I found myself laughing when I would look at him because he would randomly start laughing. It was like two old friends that haven’t seen each other in forever but it felt like it was just yesterday the last time we saw each other. He looked healthy, strong, and optimistic. He looked like he could do anything he wanted in life. As I stood there talking with him for a few minutes I thought to myself. Man, I wish that I could be as confident as he looks.

He started to tell me about what he was up to in life and I started to tell him about my journey learning about God. I told him that everything was going to be ok. Don’t worry about the things that you can’t handle. Only worry about what you are doing and how God is helping me though things everyday.

He just stood there listening but then I started to see what he was talking about. He told me that there was a hole in his heart that was ripped out and that he was trying to move past this as fast as possible. As he was talking about it, a tear came to his eye. It made me want to wipe my own eyes. I knew that I would not be the best to help in this situation. I knew that I actually was having the same problem and I was not qualified and just as lost. But I knew someone that could.

I told him remember what I was just saying about God? Put it in his hands and just pray. Pray for what is important. Pray to forget about the things that are out of our control. And pray that everything that you are going through has a purpose and that it will all make sense one day.

I asked him if he would like me to pray for him. He said, “Yes…PLEASE!”

God..Please help my friend. He is struggling with things that he can not control. Please come into his life and fill the loneliness with strengthen, kindness, and happiness. Please help guide him everyday through the good thoughts and the bad thoughts. God please let him know that we all care about him. And please let him keep smiling everyday because we all need that in our lives. AMEN!

As I said AMEN, we both opened our eyes and smiled. I then turned and walked away from the mirror.