We Were Brothers Once

Today I celebrate the exodus of a very dear friend. For those of you who don't know, Connor Schmidt left today for the Army Ranger Indoctrination Program in Fort Benning Georgia. We celebrated with him yesterday, I shed tears at his departure, not in fear or true sadness...tears of joy at his embracing life and doing what he feels called to do. But mixed in with those tears were tears I couldn't hide- tears of a brother.

I am the brother of one great sister, but my whole life I wanted a brother. I wanted another boy to tackle, to wrestle, to laugh with, eat with, fight with, struggle with, and cry with. Roughly three years ago God gave me that brother in Connor. Our first conversation took place on the kitchen counter of Andrew Murch's house when we both discovered our passion for ministry and desire to be a pastor one day. Since that day we've shared many memories, and we've walked the path of manhood together. His leaving was abrupt and too fast, but I know this- God has enormous things in store for Connor. He will impact the lives of soldiers, friends, family, kids, and whoever else finds themselves in his company. I'm excited to share him with the world, even through the tears of a brother.

Every so often people enter into your life that you never forget. Not because they are hilarious or good looking, but because they leave fingerprints on your heart. You gave them access to the real you, and they impacted you in deep, meaningful ways. A very wise man once told me, "A friend is someone I will call if I have a need." That's a pretty good definition- and if you know Connor you probably considered him a friend. I encourage you this night, don't forget those people. The ones that really changed you, the ones that loved you enough to tell you the truth, the people who genuinely cared for your well-being, not just what you thought of them. Don't forget them- pray for them. Call them. Think of them often because they are a gift from God.

I miss Connor. I hope he comes back in a few months. I will be praying for him (and I know he would appreciate all your prayers as he goes through grueling training and prepares for combat). But I will not forget my brother. Not in the least. I look forward to the day when he and I can celebrate together and continue the road that we started to walk 3 years ago. Thank you Jesus for good friends, good men who give you their whole heart and help me to see what being a man is really about. Thank you Lord.