Jul. 17, 2006
Carol
A few weeks ago I got together with my
former pastor's wife. She is a wonderful person (and a great
teacher) and I was very blessed to develop a friendship with her during
my few years at the Lutheran church. With a mutual love of books,
how could we not be friends? My leaving her husband's church
has, of course, been quite a trial for the relationship. The day
we talked on the phone about my leaving there were many tears and
incredulity, "Why couldn't you tell me about this..? You
are like a daughter to me." She said through tears. It was a stab to
the heart. I had hurt her deeply - not because I was
leaving but because I didn't feel I could talk with her about it.
I learned a lot that day.
I've watched in the past as people
have left churches. Its as if they have fallen off the
cliff. They leave and the relationship (however close or not) is
severed. Occasionally, I've run into someone who had left and its
nice to catch up, but never the same. There's just something
about meeting together weekly that helps solidify relationships.
I don't know why that is. My husband says its the same with work
friendhsips.
I've had a few friendship that we've been able to keep going. We don't
see each other nearly that often (sometimes once a year) so its not as
close as it once was.
I want it to be different with Carol. I want to work at
keeping us close. I'm hoping our age difference and the fact that
we went into the friendship already disagreeing on several key issues
will actually make it easier. What's one more thing that makes us
different? I'm glad for the summer slowness and time to go see
her. Its gave us time to catch up on my kids, her first
grandbaby and daughter, church stuff, and her health (she's been
having a series of health issues since this winter). We also see
each other once a month at a book club she started. Now that
was quite awkward because its the church sponsored book club.
Carol and another friend were adament that I should keep coming.
Their hand of friendship was such a blessing to me and helped to break
the ice during those first few meetings. Could I have done the
same thing if the tables were turned? It really humbled me.
It's still a bit awkward to go, but I'm a big girl and my desire
to see my old church friends outweighs any reservations I may have.
Since I started writing this blog entry last week, got word that Carol
was put into the hospital again. She's home now and beginning the
slow recovery process. I hope to go see her again this week.
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Posted by Anonymous 
Ancient Faith Radio
Jul. 17, 2006 - The Family of God