November Middle School Blog
By Larry Hoxie, Middle School Principal
I was recently encouraged by one of our parents to read a book entitled Love Does. I was encouraged by the stories shared by the author. I decided to share the highlights with you.
As a high school dropout, Bob Goff’s plan was to move to Yosemite and climb massive granite cliffs. Armed with two red bandanas, a pair of rock climbing shoes, seventy five dollars and a V W bug, Bob started off on his adventure.
Before leaving town Bob made a farewell stop at a friend’s apartment. Randy was a few years older than Bob and was on staff with Young Life serving at Bob’s former high school. After explaining the purpose of his trip, Randy sensed that Bob needed friendship so he asked Bob if he could tag along.
Randy added a tattered backpack and a sleeping bag to Bob’s supplies in the trunk of the VW bug. These two men loaded with 2 sleeping bags, no tent, and very little spending money snuck into the back of a platform tent so they could quickly escape in case they got caught.
The next morning Bob pursued numerous job leads. Each lead went nowhere. Sensing that Bob was becoming discouraged, Randy reiterated to his friend, “Either way, Bob, I’m with you”. Bob could tell that Randy was with him in spirit as much as his presence. “He was committed to me and he believed in me”.
No work, no money, and no high school diploma Bob decided it was time to take Randy and head home. Arriving at Randy’s driveway, Randy and Bob exited the car and went inside Randy’s apartment.
On the floor Bob noticed plates, wrapping paper, and a coffee maker. Then, coming in from around the corner was a young lady who welcomed Randy’s arrival. Bob saw that these were wedding presents. Randy and his bride were on their honeymoon.
Bob realized that when he knocked on Randy’s door 4 days ago that Randy didn’t see a young boy who had no future, he saw someone who needed a companion. Instead of spending the early days of his marriage with his bride, Randy spent them with Bob.
“I learned that faith isn’t about knowing all the right stuff or obeying a list of rules. It’s something more, something more costly because it involves being present and make a sacrifice.
Excerpted from “Love Does” Bob Goff
I encourage you to read this book, consider reading it as a family. The idea of turning Love into action is one that can challenge all of us. It is easy to say the word “love” it is harder to turn that feeling into action. Doing so requires your time, thought and often doing something for someone else that may be new and different for you.
If you read the book let us know what your Love Does.