36 years ago, a young man walked into my life, full of love and life. I was a little skeptical in the beginning - you know, others had disappointed and left me empty before – but he was different. He loved nature, and to walk with him through the mountains, a forest or along an oceanside was the most exciting, life-giving thing ever. He seemed to know and love every creature and every person we encountered, and he taught me to love, honor and respect them as well, even though he is still lightyears ahead of me in this regard. He seemed to have an answer and a solution for every problem I encountered, but always had the wisdom to give me space to let me find out, learn and grow by myself while he would sometimes just cheer me on and encourage me by his presence, his friendship and a loving touch whenever I ran out of hope. He has made everything meaningful, the good things like music, work and relationships as well as the difficult things like pain, failure and sickness. He has been with me every day and every night ever since, even though in my stubbornness I tried to walk away from him a few times, thinking that I knew better than him what was good for me. I never regretted to open my heart to him, and I know I never will. What a friend I have in Jesus!
