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July 16, 2011

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.

16 comments:

Charlotte said...

What a wonderful reunion. I just reconnected with some old high school friends from over 50 years ago when we had a reunion here in our state. We didn't graduate here. We graduated in Lawton, Oklahoma - in 1954. Can you believe it? Now some of those people I hadn't seen in so many years are my friends on facebook.
You asked about advertising the Miracle Makeover blog party. Absolutely you can advertise it. The more people who know about it the better. Thank you for asking.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Musings of A Minister said...

I see my wife, Charlotte beat me to your blog. I too think you had a wonderful reunion. You tell an interesting story and I am pleased you shared your experience with us. I almost feel like I was a part of your reunion.

LV said...

That is great that you were able to reconnect in such a nice way. I stopped going to my class reunions years ago. Sad to see so many gone and the rest of us aged. I am in touch with a few of them still tho.

Carrie said...

This is a great story, thank you for sharing. All of my friends and I are in our thirties raising young children and are quite busy. The lesson I'm learning from them is that it really means a lot just to get a one sentence text or email to remind me that they're thinking about me.

Chatty Crone said...

Great reunion - I know you had a great one. I am not sure if I would want to go on one or not! Glad you are home.

Natasha in Oz said...

Now that sounded wonderful! How fabulous to have such a great reunion. I'm glad it was so happy for you.

Take care and best wishes for a wonderful week!
Natasha @ 5 Minutes Just for Me

Anonymous said...

Praise God! I am sure it was all part of His plan :)

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Awesome reunion.....it's funny hoe with some people you can pick up where you left off no matter how much time has passed

Ruth said...

My 40th class reunion is this Fall, out of state. I'm not sure I'll be able to go. But this is a sweet story of how friends can bless each other. Let's never get too busy to reach out to one another, I mean the reach out and touch someone not only by technology but face to face.

Vintagesouthernlife said...

Sounds like a great reunion. I just reconnected with friends I hadn't seen since they left for the Vietnam war.
It was so great to see them.
Have a great week!

Pamela said...

Beautiful. Sounds like a lovely time. The blessings God gives us make such an impact -- especially the blessings of a friend. Just today I had breakfast with a friend. She told me a story from her life that encouraged me in something I am facing. God plants friends throughout the seasons of our lives and I'm thankful.

In Him,
Pamela

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Karen,

Thanks for sharing the story of meeting your high school friend again after so many years. I rarely see anyone I went to high school with. Now you two will probably make a point to stay in touch.

Thank you for visiting my blog and for taking time to leave a comment. I, also, can never get enough of pretty summer flowers. I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures, and I hope you have a great week!

Denise

Unknown said...

What a great post! I'm so glad you were able to reconnect with an old acquaintance--now turned friend! :) Thanks for visiting my blog!

HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
Sarah

Cate said...

What a lovely story, and that is a good reminder not to procrastinate where people are involved.

Thanks for the encouraging comment that you left at my blog too - it was lovely to hear from you :-)

Unknown said...

Wonderful post! I could feel her warmth through your words, she seems to be a wonderful person. thank you so much for sharing!
♥ Bibi

www.designgivesback.com said...

Thanks for reminding me of the importance of having friends and taking the time to enjoy one another every chance we get. Thanks for sharing! I hope you can join me for the Design Gives Back blog party the week of August 12th-18th for our Miracle Makeover reveal, a story to warm your heart and lift your spirits. HSS!-Sher

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