Hooking up with an old friend

Yesterday I went to visit my old training partner, Bob, the one whose coaching and influence got me involved in bench-press contests back in the '80's. That's him in the flip-flops in the back-ground, watching my attempt at around 380 pounds. He and I used to work side by side back in the day, back before there were plant relocations to other parts of the world. We used to talk a lot as the job was such that we could. There were numerous times that I shared Christ with him; he even came to hear me guest speak at my church, and also came to my home study. I left no stone unturned in talking to him about eternal things. The time period covered 1982-1997.

These days those efforts of mine result merely in him watching his language infront of me.

Oh, that he and his would come to Christ! All those prayers, may they be answered.

Yesterday I took a vacation day from work. Bob and I worked out together just like the old days. He remembered other training partners that have since died, ones who were themselves world ranked in the sport. Many died of brain cancer or heart attacks.

Old age is catching up. Neither Bob nor I could lift what we once could. The days of being strong enough to compete with men under forty years old are long gone. That's reality. That's life.

Bob is my friend. Funny how that even the unsaved can have a special place in your heart.

Oh, Bob, come to Christ!

Mark