One's retirement not only affects family members but often it affects many others. I continually experience that as I grow older. I miss many of my friendships and I miss some who have had unique relationships in my life.
It was difficult losing my friend Bill Miller who for many years before he retired serviced our cars . He was an expert mechanic who would go out of his way to help us. And, unlike most mechanics he was reasonable with his charges. He often helped us in unexpected times of need.
Then there is my high school classmate, Glen Zartman, who took over Zartman's Dodge from his father. For several decades he sold us all of our cars. He found just the right cars for us and he gave us excellent deals. Unlike many dealers, he was honest and could be trusted. After he retired it was a challenge to find someone we could trust. Fortunately I still see him at our class reunions, but he is no longer selling cars.
Then there were two of my family doctors - Dr. Richard Bryson and Dr. David Fuchs. They were exceptional. They really cared and would go out of their way to help us. They would spend time to do things to help us that young doctors don't do today. They were really family doctors, unlike most of the young ones today.
As you grow older you find many examples of people who cared and could be counted on. But they retire and are no longer available to provide the support that you want and need. And this loss has happened to be again - twice, just this past weekend.
On Tuesday my longtime barber, John Barley, retired. He has faithfully cut my hair since about 1970. He was not only a good barber but he was my friend and a Christian brother. We shared quite a bit whenever he was cutting my hair and he was always ready to help whenever he knew that we needed something. And he prayed for us regularly. I will miss my appointments and fellowship with him.
Then last Sunday another retirement occurred. My pastor, David Thomann retired after 39 years of ministry in our church. He was my pastor and friend for exactly half of my life and I will miss him. I helped recruit him to our church in Lancaster. He was excellent in the pulpit and over the years we ministered together in many projects. He dedicated, baptized, and married most of my children and grandchildren. He is the only pastor that some of them knew. He buried my parents and my brother as well as many of my close friends. He was a very important part of our lives. We already miss him.
But I thank the Lord for may people who came into my life over the years and provided the help and friendship that I needed. But while good friends may retire and move on, thankfully the Lord doesn't retire or leave us. He remains our friend and we can always depend upon Him.
(1) A friend of Jesus! O what bliss
That one so vile as I
Should ever have a Friend like this
To lead me to the sky!
Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
O what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
(2) A Friend when other friendships cease,
A Friend when others fail,
A Friend Who gives me joy and peace,
A Friend when foes assail!
Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
O what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
(3) A Friend when sickness lays me low,
A Friend when death draws near,
A Friend as through the vale I go,
A Friend to help and cheer!
Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
O what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
(4) A Friend when life's short race is o'er
A Friend when earth is past,
A Friend to meet on Heaven's shore,
A Friend when home at last!
Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
O what blessed, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.
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