HAROLD KELLER

Advice welcomed on couple to wed I really have an exciting life – meeting people, developing relationships, counseling and sometimes telling people what I think they should do. My wife often tells me that many people do not really care for my advice or opinion. I agree, but sometimes I believe God allows me to come face to face with people who need what God’s Word says about certain lifestyles. Just last week, my wife and I were at the mall. I love hot dogs and was at the food court ordering a hot dog with sauerkraut, mustard and chili. As I turned around, a young man recognized me, smiled, and said, “Hi, Mr. Keller!” “Harold Keller, right?” he questioned. “It’s been a long time,” I said. “Yeah, since 1992,” he said, “when I was in one of your high school groups.” “Nine years! That’s a long time,” I replied. “You really look good,” I continued. With him was a pretty, young lady, holding a little girl about 2 years old. “Who’s the pretty lady?” I asked. “She’s my girlfriend,” he answered. “Who’s the little girl,” I questioned. He said proudly, “That’s my little girl.” “Is this young lady her mother?” I asked. “Yes,” he answered. We spoke briefly and I found out that he had a nice job and seemed to be happy with his social position in life. I told him how good it was to see him and, as we recalled our group sessions in his high school days, I reminded him that I loved him then and was always up front with him. He agreed. “You always told me like it was,” he said. “Well,” I said, “even though it’s been nine years, I still love you, and because of that let me tell you that it’s time you marry this young lady.” (My wife and his girlfriend were more surprised at my bold suggestion than he was.) “It’s time to make it right,” I said. “Your daughter deserves a father who is the husband to her mother,” I continued. “It’s time to be the godly man for which you were created.” I turned to the young lady and said that I hope she didn’t mind me talking to them the way I did. “No,” she said, “not at all.” I hugged the young man, kissed the little girl and her mother, and told them that I loved them. He then said, “I love you, too, Mr. Keller.” A few minutes later, as I was eating my hot dog with my back to the flow of the people, I heard someone say, “Good night, Mr. Keller! Nice seeing you!” I looked at my wife and asked, “Do you think he minded me sharing with him?” “Evidently not,” she answered. Will the young man take my advice? I really don’t know, but somehow I feel what I told him is something he’s been dealing with for a long time. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call (985) 652-8477, or write P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, La. 70080.