We were delighted to have friends from Washington visit us this week. Although we have kept in touch, it had been almost a decade since we had seen them. They now have a precious seven year old son. He introduced himself, “Hi! My name is Jakob Israel with a “k.” It was love at first handshake.
While visiting with our west coast friends, we heard from dear friends in Louisiana we had not seen for a while. Two sets of friends not only from opposite ends of the continent but opposite in their stages of life and personal convictions.
Recently a new couple entered our lives. We know they will be long term dear friends as well. A commonality of service instantly bonded us.
One friend has decided to abandon his conservative values because he now believes the problems of this world can be laid at their doorsteps. He went on a long dissertation on this subject with feet propped near my Going Rogue book by Sarah Palin.
There was no need to debate the position with him. Dan and I share the mutual conviction each individual is responsible for social and moral dilemmas. If there is something to complain about, we need to seek out how to make it right. We believe the Bible instructs us that the ills of the world is from vanity and selfishly following our own paths rather than humbly seeking God.
A true friend is one that feels the freedom to call without judgment. I received such a call from a precious one this week. It is an encouragement and a blessing when one has enough confidence in your friendship to expose their hearts.
It is said that opposite attracts but like endures. Often we find ourselves at odds with each other and our friends. The constant that endures is our common faith. A friend ended our phone conversation last night, “We are forever connected.”
Dan and I are opposite in many ways. Often I am clueless as to how he thinks. I am sure he often wonders why I do not think. I squeeze the toothpaste from the top, he from the bottom. Usually he simply adjusts the tube to his standard. A few nights ago I heard laugher from the bathroom. On investigation I hear, “Honey, usually you squeeze from the top, but today I think you strangled it!”
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" 1 Peter 5:5 (New International Version)
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