A Prayer for Jeff

I usually don't talk about 1 person or people in general. Jeff however is one worth speaking about.

Back when I first met Jeff, He was special to my son. My son clinged to Jeff, like an older brother. I always thought that is was nice that Jeff purposely picked Brandon's name out of a drawing 3 years ago at Trunk O' Treat. Brandon still remembers that day like it was yesterday.

As I got to know Jeff, things were weird. Since Jeff and I process information and thoughts almost identically, it was hard to get to know him on a deeper level. Jeff is always focused on leadership and loving God. I had seemed to take it as something more stand-offish. I had a hard time understanding anything that man did. In fact I was so mad at him for a while, I didn't go to church. Sounds silly, don't it. Anyways...

As time went on and my heart really started changing, my eyes opened to the bigger picture. Once I could see the bigger picture, I didn't see Jeff the same way anymore. I saw Jeff as a Leader of God's Plan. Jeff was doing things, I wish I could do. So in a sense I guess, I was jealous. No let's just admit it and say Yes I was jealous. I was jealous that Jeff had it more together. I was jealous that he had more than I did. Along with other things, I was over all jealous.

I see Jeff differently now days. Jeff has inspired me with his love of God. I am thankful that Jeff is leading our church the way he does. He is always focused, or at least he seems to be always focused. Jeff has a big heart and South Korea is lucky to have Jeff for 3 months.

It kinda seems my thoughts are kinda jumbled, well it's because they are. I am fighting bronchitis and the meds are making me weirder than usual.

Ok so back to Jeff. My relationship with Jeff has always been like a roller coaster. Up and Down, loops and dips and cork screws. You get the idea. Until recently, I guess I just didn't get it. I didn't understand a lot of things that Jeff would do. I still don't understand a lot of things, but now I look at it as Jeff has his heart in the right place and in the long run it will turn out like it is supposed to. I know that Jeff has the bigger picture and even though I may not see it right away, it is usually correct. Recently since my heart has been more open to alot of things, I too can see the big picture. Maybe not as clear but I have a lot better understanding of what it is.

Jeff is getting ready to leave for South Korea. He is going to help lead in worship in a church that has English speaking congregation. I will miss Jeff as he goes to minister across the globe. I know he is returning (he better LOL), but he will truly be missed while he is gone. I have been thinking and praying a lot lately about Jeff. I thought I might share a prayer for Jeff.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Jeff.
Thank you for speaking to him and guiding him.
Thank you for allowing him to share your love with us.
Thank you for allowing him to lead us in worship.
Thank you for showing your wisdom to him.
Thank you for the blessings you have given him.
Thank you for allowing him to share those blessings with other.
God we just want to lift Jeff up to you.
He is getting ready to embark on a journey far away from home.
Keep your hand on him and protect him.
Keep him safe until he returns back to us.
We ask that you bring him back to us to continue sharing your wisdom with us.
Lord this is your will and not ours. Let your will be done.
If for some reason Lord you decide to take Jeff home to you,
Thank your for the time you have given us to spend with Jeff.
Thank you for allowing Jeff to be a blessing in the lives Jeff has touched.
If for some reason Jeff becomes homesick,
Remind him of your love and the love of his family at home.
Keep your loving arms around him.
Keep his heart warm with your love.
Allow yourself to be shown through Jeff as he leads others in worship to You.
Allows others to blessed that way we have been blessed by Jeff.
Allow others to learn your wisdom through his leadership.
Thank you for being the God of impossibilities.
Thank you for being our Father.
Keep Jeff safe.
In Your name we pray,
Amen.

So that is the prayer I have for Jeff. I know Jeff will be missed. I hope Jeff knows that none of us really want him to leave because we love him so much, but know that this is God's will and pray for his safe return.

Thanks
Richard