One day, you’re a small boy learning how to whittle wood with the best of them. Feeling the peace of a still, warm day. A summer breeze on your face, a smile in your heart as you carve your masterpiece.

The next day, you’re lying in a hospital bed whittling your brain into shards trying to figure out how you got there and asking yourself “Where did all the in-between go?”

Our lives are a bit like that block of wood, aren’t they, Richard? We begin as a block of fresh, green wood, our lines not yet defined; ripe and ready to be carved into something special.

When I look at you, I see a very special man. I don’t know your in-between. I know you now. You are a wise, smart man with a strong faith and a great sense of humor. I like what was whittled. Your whittler did a good job!

You know who your whittler is. Many don’t. But you do. That is why I love you. Your conviction gives me strength and hope. I know that when I pray, He listens. My prayer today is for your healing. My prayer today is that you will soon be sitting in the sun,  a smile on your face, wood shavings flying!

Be strong in your faith. Rest. Heal.

God’s Peace!