Friend in Need

I saw a friend of mine sitting alone at church today during the second hour. As Sunday school president I sometimes venture around the building to see how things are going. I had left one class and was going to check on another when I saw him and felt I should go say hello. I sat down with him and could tell something was wrong. I asked him how he was and he broke. This is a grown man who is hurting and I didn't know why. He has always been tough as nails and always had a cheery disposition. He was hurting. He didn't want to get into it there so I said we should get together later and he agreed. I had a home teaching appointment at 3 and then had him come by the house at 4.

At 4 he came over and shared with me that his wife asked him to leave and give her and the kids a break. He is balling at this point. He is struggling to understand and he has been visiting with doctors to try and figure out what is wrong with him. Turns out that they have found through the tests that he is on the autism spectrum, specifically aspergers. Though he finds relief in being able to identify the problem, he is discouraged by not having a clear way to fix it. He just wants to be with his family and is heartbroken because he doesn't know if his wife will accept him back.
I listened and before I spoke I listened some more. I hurt for my friend. He said he thought about coming to talk to me a hundred times but didn't because he didn't want to burden me with his problems. I told him that I am here to help. I shared some thoughts about Jack and I shared some thoughts about the heartache and depression and loneliness I felt when Rachel and I separated. I got choked up a few times because that is a difficult situation and it is a painful thing to go through and I don't wish it on anyone. I hurt because my friend is hurting. I pray for him and his family that the lord will strengthen them and that they will be able to work together to get through this.
I did my best to listen and to strengthen and encourage. I also did my best to let him know he could come to me anytime. We had a good hug, I told him that I loved him and he left.  That was a sad visit and it isn't easy to see your friend hurting. I will seek the guidance of the spirit and stay involved in supporting in any way possible.