Another Tear for Mark...

You may be familiar with some of the Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:3-5
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

I was thinking about these today while in church. Although it is not what the sermon was about. All was fine until I looked a few rows back and saw my friend Mark in a wheelchair. Upon seeing this, my mind drifted off in thought on the Beatitudes.

We met Mark and his wife several years ago in a class offered by our church. The class was Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace university. By the way, this is a super program that I would recommend to everyone. I believe Mark to be a few years older than me, maybe late thirties. Mark told me that he had Multiple Sclerosis. This hit close to home to me because a few years back, my wife was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, an auto immune disease like MS. Mark is one of those people that I was just drawn to. I enjoy seeing him. A couple of months ago, I watched Mark walk up to the front of the church for communion with a cane. This was the first time I had seen him using some type of aid to walk with. As he knelt his frail body down to receive the elements I felt my eyes start to water up. Someone so young should not have to deal with this burden. He managed to get back on his feet to head back to his seat. As he passed my isle, he waved and said "Hi", like he always does. I tried to hold back the tears but they were already starting to roll down my cheek.

I shed another tear for Mark today when I saw him in that wheelchair.

Mark has and always will be an inspiration to me. I love you my friend. God bless you.

All day Mark has been...on this cowboys mind.