Kidron

John 18:1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.

The first time I came across the word Kidron was on a guitar case. It was the name of a Christian band that one of my friends, Iain, had participated in. By the time I knew Iain, the group had disbanded, but he still kept the name written on his guitar case.

Iain's guitar was a classic Gibson and he played it as sweetly as a violin. His singing was wonderful, too, and when he sang old songs like "Supper Time", "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow", and "If I Could but Touch", you would swear that you were listening to an angel. Watching Iain was fascinating as well, because he strummed the guitar as if he were caressing it. At times, I just couldn't believe the notes and chords he played. It was like watching a master violinist.

Iain was a highly successful businessman in Glasgow. In fact, he was a millionaire, but you wouldn't have guessed that. He was down to earth and soft spoken. He was gentle and courteous to everyone he met. If ever there was a true Christian gentleman, then it was Iain. He was the best man at my wedding, even although I was a kid from the deprived part of town. He honored Evelyn and I by accepting that role and we were blessed with his good humor, friendship, and support.

So, when I see the word "Kidron", I think of Iain and the kindness he showed to me. He still lives in Glasgow, but has since retired from his work. I haven't heard from him in a long time, but I believe that somewhere within the city, he's still strumming that old guitar and singing those old hymns to a new generation of Christian kids.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts that You bestow upon all sorts of people, especially the gifts of music and song. Thank You for all of those singers and musicians who make a significant difference in our lives, and whose praise of You inspires us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.