I thought of you this evening, my friend, while I was out watering the yard, of the coffee, and conversation we shared this morning to celebrate your special day, of your easy contentedness with such a simple, quiet celebration, and I wondered how many cups of coffee we’ve shared together over the years. What is it that makes a lasting friendship? How much laughter, and how many tears, and how many times have those things flowed into one another, laughing so hard it hurt, and how many times have the tears somehow miraculously turned into laughter in spite of the pain? How many cups of coffee, or tea, or glasses of wine have been kindly offered and shared in this friendship? How many mochas? How many dunkies? How much chocolate? How many trips to Chico together, to shop, to serve, to learn, to worship?
I thought of the things we’ve done together and the places we’ve gone, quilt shows we’ve seen, trips to the fabric store, quilting classes we’ve taken together, and quilts we’ve started together that you finished long ago, sisters to those still “ripening” in pieces on my shelf. And I wonder how many fat quarters we’ve traded back and forth, and just how many yards of fabric are woven into this friendship, how many pins in how many quilt sandwiches clamped down to your kitchen table? And how many meals have we shared at that table, each one a gracious gift of your warm hospitality? And how many books have we passed back and forth, and how many movies have we seen together? How many women’s retreats have we shared? How many walks have we taken?
You’ve shared your life and your heart with me in so many ways, and you’ve shared in my joys and sorrows as well. How many hours have we spent in hospital waiting rooms, waiting together, or waiting for one another? How many words of encouragement have been spoken? How much comfort given? How many phone calls to blow off steam? How much patience, forgiveness, and grace extended? In how many ways have we explored, probed, and questioned our faith, and how many times been strengthened by the experience? How many times have we wondered at the mystery of our lives, and tried to comprehend God’s ways?
I have no idea. Thirty (okay 29, but who’s counting?) years is a long time. What I can tell you is that you’ve been an amazing blessing in my life. You’ve brought a richness to the seasons of life we’ve shared together, a wisdom that comes from a steadfast faith. I so admire your outgoing friendliness, that graciousness you possess which you so easily extend to others, the loving way you include people. You have a compassionate heart Kathy, and I’m very grateful to be able to call you my friend. I hope this has been a very special day for you, and that you have lots more of them!
Gratefully your friend,
Janis
No comments:
Post a Comment