pj

i won't speak of the man 

you used to be. 

an overripe teenager really. 

i'll try not to remember that

cocky half-smirk 

smeared on 

your face 

a majority of the time, 

or that pink polo you wore out,

the collar popped, 

also demanding to be 

noticed. 

you were a playboy of sorts, 

authority for you, 

was merely 

an option, 

not a requirement

but we won't recall that 

too clearly..

or how once we were 

supposed to be 

at a worship night 

by the fire 

but instead you played 

New Kids on the Block 

and Oasis.

you were quite popular, 

weren't you.

i didn't watch you too 

close up, 

only from afar..

your sharp sarcasm could cut 

and that arrogance 

of yours 

would cause me to cower 

and feel like the fool

i already thought 

i was. 

and make not mistake,

i was a fool.

i had my own share of 

loud-mouthed-make-an 

ass-of-myself-bafoonery

too. 

but thank the Lord Almighty for 

transformation, right?

at least that is what i have 

witnessed 

in you..

people can pull off the 

old weights 

and be made new, 

you are proof of that to me. 

i see you now, 

a little of me still trembles 

thinking you might mock or 

belittle me. 

but the words never come. 

instead, 

there is only softness.

only gentleness. 

only an easy going friendship 

that makes room for only 

wisdom, 

heart questions, 

and laughing with me, 

instead of at me. 

you are a husband and father now. 

have been for some time. 

i watch you interact with your 

wife, 

your daughter, 

none of the the past self 

anywhere to be found, 

you are a shepherd now.

you lead, teach, guide, 

and care for 

your sheep. 

i like the man you have 

become. 

i honor and respect that man 

much more than i 

ever have.

it is a joy to call you 

friend and brother 

in Christ. 

i thank you for sticking past 

my obnoxious, 

painfully insecure self 

as well, 

and instead of seeing 

through me, 

seeing 

me,

as the transformed little 

follower of Jesus, 

broken and made new. 

i appreciate more than i can say, 

how you let me 

come to you 

with my questions 

about Psalms and coffee 

and you never turn me away. 

I love your strong kindness, 

humility, and compassion. 

those are qualities i want to emulate. 

Praise God He is never finished 

with His work in us, 

and Praise Him that we have come 

so far..

but please, no more 

popped up collars, ok?