Never Ever Dull
With every conversation, I always seem to end with "Never a dull moment"....our lives are rich, complex, and beautiful stories. Join me in laughing about everyday things and appreciating life-bumpy roads and all.
If you were asked to describe what makes a good friend, what strikes you first? Sense of humor? Honesty? Stick-with-it-ness even in those tough times that friendships can endure? For me, it's all of the above. Last weekend, my kids sent me on a crazy adventure to celebrate my birthday. I ended up getting off a train in Charlotte and was greeted with balloons and big smiles from two of my closest friends, Meredith and Julie. The three of us have been friends ever since we left Chapel Thrill. We didn't cross paths at UNC but my RA friend (Todd the RA) suggested that I meet them. I did and the rest is history. Meredith and I did Young Life together. I was always the crazy, loud leader, and she was the quiet, calm leader. We went on to be roommies and I drove her nuts by making her stay up way past her bedtime, sharing our dreams, playing jokes on each other, and asking tough questions Julie came to Charlotte searching for a teaching position. After knowing her a couple of years, I convinced my principal to let us co-teach and then I left my class to her so that I could have my first child (the Oldest). As time went on, we shared play dates with our kids and openly chatted about the struggles of being a mom and trying desperately to raise them in the way they should go. Although I moved away from Charlotte, our friendships remained. It's one of those that you can pick up no matter where you are and no matter how much time has gone by since you've last talked with each other. At one of my lowest points, the two of them flew to see me in Tennessee. Both had never been to Nash-Vegas, but they weren't interested in seeing the big lights and sounds. In fact, they did the unthinkable: they cleaned my home, shopped for groceries to pack my cupboards, and prepared meals for the kids and me. Meredith and Julie are great models for what a friend is. Not only have they demonstrated this to me through the years, but my four kiddos have seen our friendship stay strong and how friends are always there for each other. Michael W. Smith had it right when he wrote these words back in the 80's: We'll keep you close as always It won't even seem you've gone 'Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong And friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them And a friend will not say never 'Cause the welcome will not end Though it's hard to let you go In the Father's hands we know That a lifetime's not too long To live as friends No a lifetime's not too long To live as friends
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"Mighty hot outside, don't you think? You from around here?," came a southern drawl from the chair on my left I nodded and commented that I've lived here almost 3 years. Not wanting to strike up a conversation, I gave a quick smile and pretended I was distracted with something going on in the nail salon. I didn't wish to continue the dialogue because I had declared today a day of "no talking". During the week, I got slammed with some sickness that made my throat hurt, really hurt. Whispering was painful. After trying to manage my classroom full of 22 little people the last days of school, my voice had almost completely disappeared. I needed a day off from talking.(and taking care of all in my family who have been plagued lately-walking pneumonia, ear infection, pink eye, sinus infection....one big ol' petri dish of germs over here!)...so I looked around as I got my pedicure, totally glancing away from the older lady on my left. She continued chatting: "I've lived here 40 years so I guess you'd call this home for me. I have two sons and one granddaughter. But I hardly ever see them. They stay so busy. You know how that is." Her eyes framed by her red circle glasses looked back in my direction awaiting a response. Preferring to preserve my voice, I just said, "Yep, everyone stays busy." I looked back at my toes deep in the blue sudsy water. It was then I heard that same southern drawl speaking to the man massaging her feet: "No, I don't need a manicure. I came in earlier this week and got one. First time my nails have grown since my time with breast cancer." Awkward moment since the salon guy couldn't understand English. Her words hit me with a thud. I felt that yuck of selfishness in me. Here I was avoiding the lady beside me...but she obviously wanted a person to talk to. I caved. I started with a couple of questions. Those led to a delightful hour of sharing about our kids. As so often happens, we found our "common". We learned that both of our oldest children are in overseas ministry. Her oldest works in Kenya, mine in Haiti. We laughed and shared more and more. As she left me, she grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go, squeezing it tightly. Just one of those chance meetings? I truly don't think so. So, if you happen to run into a lady with red circled glass frames with beautifully painted fingernails and toenails, be sure you stop to chat. She's a gem, an absolute gem. . |
AuthorFun-loving mom to 4 kids and 1 big puppy. Fifth grade teacher of amazing little people who have never ending things to share with me. Love to discuss Jesus, diy projects, and life. Trying to keep it simple: Love Jesus, love people. Archives
December 2021
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