Sending My Son

A friend from many years ago has reappeared recently. He was an elementary school principal in his career. Never do I remember any problem from his school. That’s the kind of leader he was—kind, compassionate, gently soft spoken. He still has those characteristics. Add to those a very long memory and empathy.

Recently he sent me videos of Dewitt Jones, National Geographic photographer whose words made a big difference in my life. In fact, I wrote about his impact in my first book, which my friend had read and quoted to me. I am deeply touched by this friend’s kind gift and the long memory it suggests—that he would remember Dewitt Jones’ impact on me and send a reminder of it.

I wanted to do something special in return for him and his wife. All I could think of was flowers. (Is that ever a bad choice?) But to make the delivery special, I asked my son, who lives in the area, to deliver them and express my heartfelt appreciation for his kindness. In other words, I sent my precious son to deliver the message.

Then I realized I was experiencing one of the great lessons of Christianity.