Thank Heavens for Really Good Buddies

When friends are really more like family, their visits can not be too long nor too often. This weekend my daughter Patty had her pal Shelly (from P.T.) in town. Betty and I had Mike (from Juneau) for a couple of days (nights). With such folk there is little formal posturing; they can take us as we are. They already know the routines of the house, where the clean towels are shelved, feel free to peek in the refrigerator, and remember who likes which chair for the hours of lounging. They are willing to pitch in, enjoy mutual pursuits, and bring refreshment to the day. It is always comfortable to have friends of this degree present and the time they have to spend with us is deeply appreciated.

Conversations which were suspended from the last visit or phone call are picked up as though there had been no interruption, threads of several discussions continue to weave along as new thoughts and recent observations are worked into the fabric, and common interests are further explored, all of which add further links to our lives and bind us ever closer together.

Especially precious are those friendships which are built on a common faith and hope. When we can discuss God and his blessings, His people and His churches without fear of being misunderstood or judged, and without having to guard every thought and word, it is truly a wonderful feeling of companionship.

Saturday I taxied Shelly and Patty around east Portland to shopping stops, tourist surveys, errands and lunch in a favorite Thai restaurant (as a sort of friendship Thank You). It was a cheerful time as these Moms-Off-Duty faintly reminded me at times of giggly teenagers. Grandma Betty was keeping the little girls at home for herself, and these two were enjoying the freedom from monitoring their daughters. Even the late afternoon storm front which darkened and drenched the roadways failed to dampen or dim their spirits. (And thanks for letting me be one of the girls for a few hours.)

Sunday morning Mike followed us to the new building for a look around. He sampled an adult class and observed us in our settling-in transition. Because he is a close friend, it was not completely necessary to "host" him or even introduce him to everyone in the crowd. I was able to accomplish my usual duties and contacts without worrying about abandoning him in strange surroundings. He connected easily with a few he knows from previous trips and briefly visited. He was able to have a few minutes with Edwin and Patty and observe their girls. I always appreciate Mike's visits and was interested in watching his survey of our new quarters. Next visit I suppose we will find time to talk it all over. He is off to the Pepperdine Lectureship now, and we will share about that someday too.

Thanks for friends. Thanks to friends. Y'all keep droppin' by, 'heah?

Oh yes, Next Friday Jim is coming from Anchorage. I'm looking forward to seeing him too.