Matthew Paul was my favorite childhood friend. In elementary and junior high, he was my best friend and we reconnected in college to continue our tremendous friendship. He was smart, musical and athletic. And I always felt better about myself when I was with him.

I’ll never forget what it was like to go to Matt’s house as a kid. His dad was an anesthesiologist and they had a beautiful home with a pool. It was heavenly. Whenever I walked in their front door with Matt after school, I knew I would get to enjoy whatever snack or treat his mom had prepared. And if I spent the night on a Friday, she would make blueberry pancakes for Saturday morning breakfast. Yum!

Once, Matt’s family took me on vacation with them to Carlsbad Caverns. It was an amazing trip and I felt like one of the family. Everything Matt got, I got. Food, hotel, souvenirs – everything was provided for me. I wasn’t a son, but Jess and Dorothy Paul treated me like one. Because I was a friend of their son, they loved me and I loved them.

Some day, I will walk through the front door of heaven. And if I walk through that door as a friend of Jesus, God will welcome me as His son. Even now, God looks at me with the love He has for Jesus. Because Jesus took what I deserved, I can receive all that He has earned. Whatever Jesus gets, I get.

I’m with Him!!