Tonight I am thankful for many, many things and people in my life. One friend is on my mind specifically this evening. His name is Dwight, he has no Facebook or Twitter so no need to try to look him up. I’ve only known him since August, but he has made a lasting impression in my life and my boys lives. Only a few of you know of him, and even fewer really know him. He is a fantastic man that is a little rough around the edges. My friends met him out in the woods where he lived. How many friends do you have that were once homeless, or still are? When I met him in August he had been sober for about 30 days, he came and put in a lot of hours to make my house a home. I didn’t know him from Adam’s house cat, but he didn’t care, he just came to help this widow lady and her boys. He’s spent most of his adult life on lockdown. How many of you know or love someone that’s spent most of their days pinned up somewhere? He messaged me this morning, just to let me know he was thinking about us and that he hopes to get to see us soon. He told me his is still sober, he said its a hard fight everyday, but one he’s not willing to loose. How many of your friends are counting their days sober and are fighting to stay that way?
I was a little nervous about letting Dwight tell my boys the stories of his life journey, then I realized, this is his story to tell! God puts certain people in our lives for specific reasons, who am I to question his purpose for our lives?!? They can tell you how he has been shot, stabbed, arrested, jacked up, drunk, just about dead and and the redemption stories too. Not all kids get to hear about or get to know people like Dwight. I decided to let them get to know Dwight because he too is a child of God. He can express the greatness of God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness because he has truly experienced it. They love him, and ask about him often. He was one person that both of them wanted to see the last time we traveled. I wish we could all love like kids love. Up until now I haven’t had many friends like Dwight, but I can honestly say I am a better person just by knowing him. I am thankful to know Dwight, I’m thankful that he shared with my boys that he now walks with God! I am thankful for obedient friends that listened when God told them to go out in the woods and take this man some supplies. I am thankful that he is still sober. I am thankful for my friend Dwight.