The Daily McBlog

20 July 2008

Rare Blessings

It is an amazing blessing to find a friend whose heart resonates with your own. It is an even more amazing blessing if you are given more than one friend with whom your heart resonates. My husband and I have been blessed in such a way. We know that we have, and we know that our blessing is unique and rare. Those of you who are equally blessed know what I'm talking about. You know who your closest friends are. They are the people who are cooler than you who picked you to hang out with. The people who wanted to know more about you way back when and who still wanted to hang out with you after they found out that you pick toe jam out of your toenails at the dinner table (they don't want to eat dinner at your house, but they still want to hang out). Those kind of people are a rare find.

We spent the last few days hanging out with those kind of people, friends who we have grown to love and to think of as family. We talked, played games (I lost), went to the zoo, relaxed, juggled four children who got very, very exhausted by the end of the weekend, and just spent time being together. We had no specific agenda on Thursday, their first day here, and it was a perfect day. On Friday, the kids splashed around in the pool and ran around the back yard all day while Steve and Amy headed to Cedar Point to ride roller coasters reserved for the bravest amongst us. Yesterday, we went to the zoo. It was a scorcher of a day, but we still had a great time. Our kids enjoyed showing their friends the zoo, and we managed to see most of it in the 8 hours that we spent there. We ended the weekend together with church and lunch together before they headed home to New York.

Sigh. I miss New York. I love where we are right now, but I still miss New York. Why? Because the Raus aren't the only friends that are close to us that we miss from there. I guess it isn't the place that we miss as much as the people, though that part of New York is gorgeous. We have a great circle of friends there, a circle of friends that is irreplaceable. On the rare occasion when we actually get to see some of them, it reminds me of how great it was to be living in that place where so many people supported us, prayed for us, and lived life at our side. What so many churches are trying to achieve with their small group ministries we achieved to a depth that we have been unable to replicate ever since, and I'm not sure I would want to. We have great friends, and, because of the nearly endless possibilities given to us through the internet, we are able to continue to live life with these incredible people. For that, I am truly thankful, and for this very special few days with the Raus, I am also thankful. The internet does not compare to actually seeing someone in person, obviously, so this visit was truly outstanding for us.

To those of you who are living in New York or in other places far from here, we would very much enjoy hanging out with you too. You are welcome here anytime. Give us a call or drop us an e-mail. We'd love to see you. You are among our list of blessings.

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20 July 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

We totally agree, and had a great, relaxing time with you too! Thanks again for your hospitality and we will all be sleeping good tonight... :) ~Amy

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About Me

This blog is intended for you to see a part of who I am. I seek to worship God from the moment my eyes flutter open until my head hits the pillow at night. I am a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend to many. I believe that the experiences I have each day have a spiritual impact on my life. My husband and children teach me new things each day. I am passionate about family, music, and education, and if you stop by often, you'll see writings about each of these topics. I welcome comments and opinions that are different from mine. I believe we grow when we are forced to examine someone else's opinion and beliefs. I am honored that you have stopped by to read this. Thank you for blessing me by being here right now. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11