A New Old Friend

Her smile hasn't changed a bit!

"A friend loves at all times..."

Proverbs 17:17

We graduated from high school 41 years ago.  We had a few classes together and I remember a quiet sweetness about her. She had a warm, sincere smile for me. But we ran with different crowds and didn't hang out much. I was excruciatingly shy, so I didn't pursue a closer relationship with her.

And yet, last summer, before our high school's 40th class reunion, she took the trouble to seek me out on Facebook and invite me to come.  I was thrilled to be remembered, but, alas, unable to attend.

Fast forward to a month ago.  She emailed me that she and her husband would be camping about an hour's drive from us and would we like to meet up?

Again, that heart-thrill of being remembered.

We drove to their campsite on the Oregon coast.  We'd agreed to go to a local place for lunch, but as soon as we got to their trailer site, they welcomed us heartily and we all sat down to talk.  The heck with going to a restaurant!  We were having such a wonderful visit, we didn't want to risk losing the warmth by getting in the car.  I don't know how much time passed, but it wasn't long before she made guacamole and broke out the chips, fruit, and a bottle of wine.

Even though it's July we needed a campfire!

Didn't take long and we were all sharing about our faith in Christ.  We were able to relate on a heart-level that transcends time and doesn't depend on what happened in high school.  Turns out, we are among the few who remained married to the spouses of our youth, and agreed it was by God's grace.

Just so no one thinks we starved, our new old friends graciously invited us to share a yummy supper of BBQ'd ribs.  And for the grand finale, we got to make S'mores around their campfire!

You know what brought this visit to mind?  My friend sent me a picture of the two of us from that day, thanking me for our visit.  Is that thoughtful or what?  Of course, I'd been meaning to do that ever since the day after we got home.  

Lessons learned from my new old friend, so far:

Don't procrastinate when you have the chance to bless others.

Make the effort to remember and connect with someone.

What are some lessons your friends have taught you?

God bless your week!

Love,

Playing along with

Beverly at How Sweet The Sound
for Pink Saturday.

(The Bible verse is in pink!)

and Ginger & Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
Please check out their blog this week to read about the Miracle Makeover Blog Party.

A Grande Life