I have a friend who sticks with me who became my brother. His name is Steve Huber. Steve loves Jesus. He loves the outdoors. He loves helping people. He has a passion for helping people come to Christ and grow in Christ. Steve loves to work with his hands doing landscaping. He loves to draw and teach children art. Steve loves his family, and he loves his community.
You’ll find Steve most days on his bike. He bikes to St. Eds to teach art to his dear students. He bikes to Dale Roy where he teaches kids who are growing up with unique challenges. He bikes to Papa’s Sanctuary where he connects with God through nature. He bikes to AU where he volunteers to beautify the campus and to mentor young people.
Steve doesn’t see well, so he bikes everywhere. But Steve actually sees more than most people. He has a sensitivity to what God sees and hears. He sees when people are hurting. He stops and helps people in need. He walks with students until they learn to see and experience Christ in life by sharing his life in Christ.
Last week I was out at Papa’s Sanctuary planting maple trees with Steve. Steve was plating trees for the next generations to enjoy. Perhaps that’s what I love to see most in Steve. He unselfishly loves by planting seeds of hope. Steve plants flowers and vegetables and blueberries and trees to share with others. He plants seeds of truth in young lives in Ashland, Colorado, the Dominican Republic, and in Florida hoping they grow into the fullness of Christ. He draws pictures to help people see what they can’t see or enjoy. He creates animal-shaped letters that are turned into name plaques for kids so wells can be dug around the world. When you can’t see clearly, or when you don’t have to see the results of your planting or giving, it’s an amazing freedom that God gives. If only we will receive the gift that keeps on giving. The life of Christ.
I love getting glimpses of the life of Christ in people. When people reflect the light, love, and life of Christ, it’s transformative. You can’t get enough of it. You always want more. When you find Jesus’ refreshing love that gives you new life, you have to keep going to the places where your love tank gets refilled. Jesus promises to be our living water. He wants us to become well-watered gardens offering the fruit of His Word, His peace, His love to people who are stuck in busy mode or who have lost their way or their joy.
I thank God for my friend Steve. He sticks close to me like a brother. He loves me through my good and my bad times. He’s like crunchy peanut butter that gets stuck to the roof of my mouth. He tastes good, and he won’t go away. He’s like Jesus with skin on. I never know when he’ll show up next. But when he does, I know it’ll be good.
Who has become a life-giving friend to you?
Who needs your friendship today?
Go find them.