Lunch With Friends

Today I got back from a pastor and wife retreat just across the USA border. Wanda and I pulled the car into our yard and there was our friend, Paul Johnson. There was an instant smile across our faces.

"Hey, good to see you!"

"Same"

"I have to go out right now but Tim and I will meet you for lunch, eh?"

"Great!"

I drop Wanda off at the house and head to the office. I'm greeted by Mary was a big smile, "Glad to have you back!"

I walk into my office and do a little work. I hear voices in the back room, out I go to investigate. Mary Lou is sitting with Shelia and Art in the converance room having lunch. Laughter.

I walk in, "Hey, there he is. Good to have you back!" More laughter, teasing and the picking on each other begins. "Well, I have to run off to go for lunch. See ya."

I met Tim and Paul for a 1PM lunch over at a resturant. Then Dave Bjork comes in and joins us. Instantly we are bugging each other and laughing.

We order. We continue to talk and laugh about the various situations we were in this past week. Each person was a different way of looking at life and yet each person caring deeply for the other.

We finished eating and Dave immediately picked up the tab (we all convientately were too slow to get the bill before he did). He pays for the meals. Tim says, "I'll leave the tip". More laughter, bugging and acting like men.

We all promise to connect again soon and we're off. Driving back, I think to myself what a great bunch of friends I have. I feel priviledged to call myself their buddy. They always bug me lots, make fun of my directions and my wierd ways but that's why I love 'em. I can be me.

Friendship is a precious thing. I pray each person in the congregation at Royal Heights would be able to say, "I have a friend that goes there."

Today, I thank the Lord for my friends.