Growing Relationships
Today was more laid back after everything that has been happening lately. My nieces Sarah and Laura drove over to visit. I hadn’t seen them since Sarah’s wedding 3.5 years ago. AND I met my great niece, Sarah’s baby Aurora, for the very first time. It was quite an honor because it was Aurora’s first, big trip out. It’s so comforting the way we just picked up as if we had seen each other yesterday. Hugs and kisses on the cheek from Sarah and Laura melted my heart. Relationships are the most important things in life. That was made even more evident today through those three females that walked into my life today.
Another developing relationship is with Gene, Dave Kelly’s friend. Today I learned he likes Do Whop music which he grew up with. That’s such a funny word. My other dear friend likes it as well. It was great to listen to some of Gene’s joys and frustrations in life as well as to go back to Antietam with him to go to the visitor center which we didn’t get to do yesterday. We both wanted to learn more and shop! Well we got through the museum just as the place was closing so we get to go back together tomorrow to the gift shop. This relationship expands my thinking and appreciation for this man and what he has experienced in life. He also took me to the Potomac River. So close that I wondered if we were going in which concerned me because we weren’t in a DUCK like I was last year with Bob in Chattanooga. It was beautiful!
Tonight as I sit here with Dave processing the day and discussing what we heard about hunger as we eat high end cheese and drink Diet Coke, I realize how important this friendship is; I realize how much hunger and poverty in the world are, like Robert Egger in Begging for Change says, not about food and money; I realize that relationships are what bring people out of poverty and hunger. We were asked by our speaker tonight who was the county commissioner, if the government could end hunger. I know it cannot. People can. People who care about other people knowing that they might fail but believing that they can succeed and flourish. Who can and will I walk alongside? Who will you?
Jesus did say that we would always have the poor with us. Isn’t that great? I hope we build relationships with them; because, I also believe there is so much we can learn from them as we journey together if we get rid of our stereotypes and fear. Fear is the thief of our dreams they say. May it not destroy dreams of unity and working together side-by-side in rescue missions, in shelters, in our own churches and homes.
One relationship I’ve been somewhat thrown into is with Kenny who ran the kitchen at Wheeler Mission where I serve each month. We clicked from the start. He’s come through the program and graduated. I gave him a card to let him know how much he inspires me each day. It would be great to take him out to dinner and hear more of his story outside the walls of the mission or go for a walk and talk. A bit out of my comfort zone? Yes. A bit needed for my growth and understanding? Yes. A way to grow in my compassion and love for all God’s people? Yes.
Time to put the cheese away and head to bed to prepare for another day of relationship building with those the Spirit places in my path. Thanks for reading and increasing our relationship.
