I learned this little song during primary school and it's still true.
During high school I met Claudia. She was a year younger than I was and that made me feel older and wiser somehow. Claudia started attending a little prayer meeting and Bible study I'd begun with a few others. She laughed easily, carried compassion gracefully, and was musical and sportsy. We played tennis together and guitar/piano. The Navigator Bible study that I was a part of (with "really old" ladies in their 20's!) encouraged me to find someone younger to pass on the things I was learning and Claudia was eager. We discussed Bible passages, memorized Scriptures, and prayed together. What a great foundation for a lifelong friendship!
However, lest anyone think I was the leader in this friendship I will say right at the outset that Claudia's heart gave me great hope and strength coming from a troubled home. Part of this hope came through her family. Her home seemed like a real life "Father Knows Best" (USA TV series in 1960's). Her father, Mr. Johnson, was like the TV father, Jim (Robert Young). Mr. Johnson often warmly greeted me, acknowledged me and had an easy laugh. For reasons only God knows, he became the picture of a good father to me because my own father was depressed, sullen, ignored me, and had a vile temper.
Young as I was I could tell that what Claudia's parents had given her was a stable and strong heart upon which her character was formed.
Unfortunately, what they couldn't give her was a strong physical heart. Right now Claudia, at 63 yrs old, is awaiting a heart transplant. As I write this I received a message that her situation is tenuous again as she waits. How I pray that God will intervene and give this amazing woman, mother, grandmother, and golden friend a new heart so that she may finish life on this earth strong.
May Your divine strength be perfect in her weakness now, Heavenly Father.
