It was my birthday and right in the beginning of supper, an old friend just happened to call. A short scramble to get the phone away from it’s USB umbilical and phone in hand, my friend from over a decade ago began to sing happy birthday. Stunning timing and it was during communion that I had to quickly ring off with a quick promise to call right back. It felt abrupt to put off this man that became a strong friend years ago.

There was still some leftover confusion on my mind from the day before. Leftover anguish and hurt that was still strongly noticeable. That’s what happens to a lot of us when we mull and stew yesterdays problem over and over. You know the one that comes up. It was during morning the day before that I got wounded in spirit.

A surprise comment, even a glance or grimace that sticks. Partly dealt with but, still lingering then.

I thought I would not be fit to call my old friend back. When I called, the conversation was cut short and my friend said HE had to go. It felt so much like my anticipated rejection. He was not answering messages and text and I thought I had offended him somehow. It was a bit disconcerting. That did not settle well and seemed as if I had blown it. Again.

There was nothing to be done and then, the next day came a phone call from that him. Everything was fine and explanations were in order for my shortness that I thought was very offensive. It was offensive but only to me. my friend began to sooth him with another person on the line helping it work. I spoke of the wound and where I had acquired it. Sharing failure and foolishness with both of them.

They understood as only friends can do and he began to sing to me! He sang soothing and healing from prompting from the other person in the conversation, his wife and they occasionally sing to each other. Just like of singers, a man of no reputation who sings life into creation. Jesus.

The commission mentioned in the title of this column was back in 2008, a training that we went through to be worship leaders. It was at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.

The training bonded them well with many circumstances that helped them surrender their personal agenda’s and listen and see who each other was. Astonishing acceptance and love between new friends. At that time I even surrendered a valuable parking spot when the two of them met. I was parked in the shade and it was very hot. He mentioned he had his guitar in his car. I still didn’t want to do it and I was instantly brought up short by the reason I was there for. Surrender and intimacy. Training to be worship warriors. Learning Worship for the living God Jesus.

It felt right, again. The anguish was gone and now seen as an old wound that needed to be exposed to become healing and quick delight. We both remembered that time and knew it was the beginning of our love for one another. It’s pretty good. Jack Gator