I have been putting a lot of emphasis on meeting people and working towards being friends with them. When I was younger, friendships were just something that kind of happened. Now it takes conscious effort and I am far less likely to take a chance at a relationship with someone for granted.
That is why I am so very pleased tonight. An old and dear friend called me last night, and tonight I reconnected with a beloved teacher and colleague on facebook. I am so grateful for them and for this.
Chris and I have been friends since 1988 and we weathered many storms together; the reasons we fell out of touch were due to his insanely busy schedule and my worsening mental state. Now that I am capable, I reached out, and he has returned to my life in an awesome and welcome way. Not this Sunday, but the next, he is going to come to Ascension with me for the service and we'll hang out afterwards. It won't be one of the endless Sunday afternoons of our youth, but it will be precious time with someone who knows me and loves me anyway. I think the sun rises and sets in him. He's one of the most ethical people on the planet and he is a good friend. We won't see each other often, but when we do, it will count. Chris got back in touch with me because I made an effort to contact him.
Kay was my community health nursing instructor back when I was in nursing school. It is hard to say exactly when or where she became my friend. I know for sure that she was a solid rock for me while I was in grad school and trying to come to terms with my crumbling first marriage. She has always been wise and witty and warm. She is going to be retiring from USM in May, which is hard to believe. I hope we can get together soon. Usually I would reject the idea of spending money at a coffee shop, but this is the kind of date that I think makes it a reasonable expense. I want to see her and talk endlessly about what she has been up to and where she has been and what her life is like now. I want to be more like who I was when she knew me last. I want to be part of that social circle of caring, motivated, intelligent women again. Kay got back in touch with me because I swallowed my pride and decided not to wait until I was proud of my life before I tried to reach her. I sent a friend request on facebook, which was immediately accepted and we had a lively round of chat.
I haven't done any of my current-events reading today. I haven't even commented on anyone's blog today. I worked 7 hours today, clawing as many minutes here and there as I could. It took all day. Then Captain Husband and I went out to supper with his family. And here I find myself now, tired but getting ready to go to the store. I'm making cinnamon rolls Saturday for a baptismal reception on Sunday, and it really would be better to go ahead and get everything, so that on Saturday I can just get up and make them.
Thus I have had 2 reunions in the past 24 hours and I am very happy.
If your ultimate goal is a life of joy, and touching others then that's what you are doing. Sometimes that might mean skipping a day of commenting on other blogs or reading online to pursue time with people you love.
ReplyDeleteMake it all work for you, for what you need at that time.