A Tribute to Mr. Buddy

While I was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Rayville, Louisiana we renovated a building that had been vacant for at least 10 years. The church elected a committee to lead the church in this effort. This committee led the church through the process of making the decision to restore the building and the two phases it took to complete the project. Rex Kirven was the chairman of the committee. Rex had a saying which he jokingly (I think) shared. He would say, sometimes it easier to beg forgiveness than to get permission. To set the record straight, the committee did secure permission.

I share this to say that I have not secured permission to write this blog. If Mr. Buddy is offended, I can only beg forgiveness. I don't think he will be offended because this blog is a tribute to him. I have nothing negative to say about Mr. Buddy.

Mr. Buddy is a senior adult gentleman who greets me when I go to the YMCA in Hartsville, South Carolina. I only know him as Mr. Buddy. His greeting always comes with a smile and is spoken with a voice that is a blend of kindness, enthusiasm and love. I'm not Mr. Buddy's favorite singled out for a special greeting. He greats everyone this way. There is a remarkable consistency towards senior adults like me, to teenagers, to children, to all ages and to all races and nationalities.

In observing Mr. Buddy, I conclude that he is not playing some part or following a script. He is being himself. There is something very real and authentic in what you see and hear.

I'm not sure if Mr. Buddy is a paid employee of the Y or a volunteer. I assume he is paid. I do not know his job title or job description. I only know he inspires people. He makes them feel better about themselves.

Maintaining an exercise routine is not easy, especially for some people who are not the most disciplined. Body type, age and the overall health of the individual can make exercise a major challenge. In the midst of the grunts and grown, the exertion and frustration, the sweat and the negative voice telling people to give up, we need Mr. Buddy with his smile, enthusiasm, warmth, friendship and encouragement.

Thank God for Mr. Buddy. May his tribe increase. We need more Mr. Buddy's in our world, not just at the Y but every place where there are people. I would like to be a Mr. Buddy myself. How about you!