Today is my father-in-law's birthday - the big 75. That's three quarters of a century of living. Wow. I've known Fred for 23 years now which is half my life and longer than I've known Megan.
Fred and I taught together at Frankfort Middle School (FMS), home of the Hot Dogs. He taught math, and I taught geography. We didn't say much to each other during our FMS days, but I had (and have) a great deal of respect for this meek man of God. I can clearly remember when Fred retired from teaching, he presented a Christ-centered message to the faculty and staff on his last day of work. Fred could have bragged about the countless number of students he impacted or told teaching stories that would have made us crack up, but instead, the last thing he did was make sure we understood the importance of sharing our faith. Why haven't I been talking to this guy more?
It might have been a year later that I found myself in a men's Bible study group with Fred that met every month at the Jim Dandy restaurant in Frankfort. During our Bible studies, Fred heard me confess some not so small sins, sob like a little child, and provide a small group devotion that I'm sure showed how I was a baby believer; however, Fred was not judgmental. In fact, the next summer, Fred called me to ask me if I would like to meet Megan. Fred might be a man of few words, but when he said something, I knew to listen.
I'm not sure where I would be if God didn't prompt Fred to give me that call. I owe a ton to Fred Downs, and I will never be able to repay him for the eternal impact he has made in my life. Fred is patient, loyal, kind, and humble - all characteristics I have struggled with at times. So often I've seen Jesus in Fred, and I have often wished I was more like him. I'm thankful God brought us together, and I'm thankful our lives will be spent worshiping Jesus forever.
Happy birthday, Fred. I love you.
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
