Within my line of sight, at this very moment, are the following: a churning Pacific on the rocky California coastline, seagulls swooping and diving in hopes of treasure, multitudes of iconic cypress against the backdrop of the infinity of a cloudy horizon, and a warm, crackling fire. My ears hear the waves as they crash and the gulls as they compete. My nose tries to decide if my hot tea is more fragrant, or, instead, the heady aroma of home fires burning. In other words, my senses are full and happy.
But better yet, is the knowledge that my man is standing, not in his office or in front of a client, but on the first tee of a long-coveted golf-course he’s never played. With him is the male half of a great couple that we have not seen in six years, whose wife is currently two doors down from me at the hotel, and who, like me, is getting ready for a fun girls’ day.
We’ve put a lot of time and thought into this trip, and it’s been spectacular thus far. My heart seems so full, it could burst at any given time. But I’m left to wonder this:
Why do we wait so long to do things like this? Why do we wait AT ALL?
Did we have to come half-way across the country to enjoy time with friends? With these friends, yes, as they live in a different state from us. But, in general, we, at least, don’t cultivate the friends we have at home, all around us, like we should. When did we stop inviting people over for a casual meal at home? Why don’t we ask others to enjoy our own view around a backyard fire? Are the filling of our senses and our hearts not just as important on the ground where we live?
I’m hoping to fill my heart so full on this trip, that maybe I’ll spill the overflow into my everyday world and realize that there are wonders to behold, no matter where I am.
LOVED reading this after our day together. I can promise myself this, it won’t be six years before I sit quietly with you again! <3
I think my problem is that I’ve just gotten lazy since we retired. I have very good intentions but just don’t carry them out. When we were raising you kids our home was always alive with both your and our friends and food was always involved. The home was the center of all entertainment. Having friends over for a home cooked meal is just about unheard of anymore and that is really sad. Your posts are really hitting home with me and I need to change my ways. Love you and glad you are having a wonderful trip with treasured friends! Mom
Melinda,
What a sweet and tender post.
It touches a place deep in my soul.
When my husband and I moved 7 years ago we moved away from family and life long friends (only because we got a job transfer). The town we moved into is one that is very small and everyone knows everyone. There are established friendships and it has been hard to break into. I often ask God why He has not allowed us to have closer friends. There are some reasons He has revealed to us and yet others are still unknown.
It leaves a hole in my heart…
I know that only God can fill those spaces and that He is all I need. Thank you for reminding me that it is important to cultivate the friendships that we have and to nourish the ones we do not get to see often.
Oh my — this touches my soul. I need to be more intentional in my relationships. I’ve gotten so lazy and that’s not good. Thanks girl.
Reminds me of Jesus telling Peter to drop the nets just one more time a little deeper…
Maybe you’ll be ready to drop the net in TX now. Missing Skype with you!!!
There’s nothing quite like nature’s insistence that we be still. It is then that I often reflect upon, or remember how vitally important it is to keep the simple things – like friendship – well oiled. Rust is so tenaciou.
So glad you had such a lovely time in CA.
Not sure how I popped over here, but I am so glad I did. I was having a similar thought just the other day, but that was after talking with a dear, dear friend for the first time in toooo many months. Yes, we need to nurture the friendships we have at home, and yet there is also value in maintaining the ones we have long distance. The people really make the story of our lives so incredibly rich. We shouldn’t neglect the ones God brings in nor forsake the ones we have yet to meet.
By His Grace,
Lisa