Far-Away Friends and The Tapestry of This Life
I must confess that I’ve been feeling a little bit sorry myself lately. I’ve been feeling the pangs of long-distance friendship. My friend Amy had her art show opening a few weeks ago – two hours away. Two hours makes it kind of hard for popping in to say “hi” and delight in her work. I was so disappointed that I couldn’t go. Then there’s Missy in Nebraska. She & Bill just brought home the latest addition to their fam: sweet Lucy adopted from Ethiopia. If I’m honest with myself, I realize I’ll probably never even get to hold little Lulu, let alone know her. And, what of Nancy in Orlando who has just survived breast cancer? Her faithfulness has inspired me from afar and I just long to stop by with a basket of tea and homemade bread. To pray with her, hear this phase of her story. To play cards with her and Dave…
Time will get away from me if I begin to tell you about Coletta in Colorado or Mayra in Mexico or Sunghee in S. Korea or Scott & Lis in Indy or Tim & Tammy in Chicago or Tom & Julie in Columbus… on and on the list could go. Precious friends that have left an indelible mark on my life. How can I begin to explain the soul sharing and the heart transforming that happened in scraps of time here and there. Scraps that have been woven together in creating the tapestry of my life today.
Each scrap represents an investment – them in me and me in them. A conversation or a perspective or a moment in time that shaped me. Sometimes through tears, sometimes laughter. Through various life stages, disappointments and challenges. Walking through the mess of life together, we were impacting each other.
Today, life marches on… Blogs and letters keep the connection alive. But, there’s no denying that it is different. All relationship comes with risk and change.
Now we’re scattered here and there, around the world. And, I’m reminded, once again, that I can choose gratitude. I can feel sorry myself or I can thank God for these dear ones. I can pray for them. Rejoice and mourn with them from afar. Hope with them for the consummation of all things in Jesus.
And, of course, there are the new scraps. New fibers in the tapestry of this life…woven right in alongside the others. Adding texture and color that makes the whole piece more beautiful.
October 15, 2009 at 12:56 pm
whatchu talkin’ bout willis???? you WILL hold that lulu. Maybe she’ll be a bit older, but we can figure this thing out. I love the way you share your heart with both a rawness and eloquence. it is beautiful. you are beautiful. and i miss you.
October 23, 2009 at 9:07 am
Missing you, too, Shan. I love you and I think SO fondly on the teas and coffees and times on your couch in my years into adulthood. You are a fantastic friend and I resonate with your description of faraway friends that make me ache. It’s good to know we each know it well, actually. Makes it a little easier.