they blessed a college student

I was running off the Northern State University basketball court @ half time of the JV basketball game.  Running into the locker room for the half time discussion of what was going right and what was horribly wrong. I was one of the last off the floor.  A blind man held out his hand and called out to us, " Will you take this to Nate Streed?"  It was a small envelope with a note in it.  I was the closest so I grabbed it and headed in to hear the inevitable, "that was the battle, here comes the war" speech.

The timing of that note couldn't have been better.  I was in the middle of my own personal war, a war I thought was with my coaches, but in reality was with myself.  I was feeling alone in the world and struggling desperately and losing the battle of feeling worth and joy through success in basketball.

The contents of the note are lost to history but I do remember the basic content.  The little note was from a couple who were slightly older than my parents.  They invited me to come and live at their house.  Free room and board it said.  It was perfect timing.  In order to save $, I had moved in with the head coach and his family.  It was very generous of my coach but a very frustrating situation since he was the one I was battling (I thought).

I will never forget and forever be indebted to Dean and Lucy Gross.  They were generous with their house, their food, and their time.  They were easy going and full of grace, something I desperately needed.  They did not judge me or condemn me for anything.  They genuinely liked me.  They were God's gift and grace to me in more ways than I could understand at the time. 

The free room and board was generous and kind, but the ultimate gift was unconditional love, support and respect.  I thank God for you, Dean and Lucy!