I met my younger self for coffee today.

He walked in confidently, eyes bright, clothes spotless, a warm greeting and smile always on his lips.

People turned when he entered— those who were elderly looked at him in quiet respect, the young people stood up in reverence. They shook his hand, and nodded their heads in approval.

He shared of his day to day – God’s friendship was near and real to him. His family life was always noisy, filled with running children. Blessings seem to flow in every area of his life. He shared of all the good and noble works he did, especially to the poor and disadvantaged. He shared of his love for those around him, and how it was God’s love who flowed out from him.

I smiled gently, letting him speak. He didn’t see the pain behind my eyes. He didn’t notice the way my hands trembled when I picked up my cup.

Then he asked, “What happened?”

And I wanted to say, I don’t know.

I wanted to tell him that God seems so silent now. I wanted to tell him that in a while he would face the biggest crisis, ever, of his life that is unbearable and seemingly unjust. I wanted to tell him in his times of suffering that his friends would criticise him and offer none of any comfort. I wanted to tell him that there would be nights he would beg for death.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I whispered, “Hold on to God. Give thanks for His blessings. Pursue a deep deep relationship with Him. Model for others through your walk with God”.

Because I know that when everything is taken away, only God remains.

I took leave of him and prayed that when his turn comes to walk through life’s dark valley that he would remember – remember God’s great great love for him, and that God will never, ever, forsake him.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for Your great love for me, thank you that You will never forsake me. Thank you for being my shelter, my refuge, my rock. Amen.