A true friend is a real gift in life! I am reminded about this reality every year when we go on our annual camping trip to Greenwood Furnace State Park in the mountains of central PA. You see, for the last 14 years we have met up with two families - friends of ours - to share a week of camping together. We all used to live in the same community, but time and jobs have called two of the three families away from that community, yet each year we gather and resume as if we still lived close by. A true blessing to have such good friends.
In the between times, we communicate and connect through a variety of ways to keep our friendship strong. We pray for one another and support one another through life's ups and downs. Nothing makes challenging times easier than a good friend upholding you in prayer and reaching out in support.
One of the guys... Bryan, just happens to share a birthday (day, month, and year) with me which makes our connection even stronger. It is always fun to spend time together.
Also on this trip, we have taken the same two friends of our girls most years. It is fun to watch them enjoy a week together and to share the deep connection of friendship that remains strong no matter where life takes them. It was cool this year when one of them asked if she would be able to bring her children along and get a campsite of their own when that time comes! Ofcourse we are delighted at that possibility.
Also in this time we enjoy re-connecting with many of our friends at the first church we pastored... the Spring Run Church of the Brethren. This year it was particularly exciting to share worship with them as they welcome new pastors... a team - husband and wife team... just like Sharon and I 21 years ago. We look forward to a budding friendship with this team in ministry too!
No comments:
Post a Comment