The names of the past week only tell part of the story. Rich, Gave, Howard, Jim, Betty, Sissy, Lauren Carl, JB, Anne, Ellsworth, Sharon, Dolly, Don, Kenny, and Doug are on my list and I know that I have missed a few. Even as I think of the way that they have shared part of the journey, I know they have enriched my life. As I reflect I realize that I have no words that can adequately described what has happened.
I find that most writers do not try. When I read one story, how “his [Paul’s] companions for the journey were Sopater, son of Pyrrhus, from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus, both Thessalonians; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and the two from western Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.” (Acts 20.4) I want to know more. Who were they? What were their backgrounds? What was the story within the story?
This week will, for me, be remembered as a time that family came together, memories were created, and everyone gained for the experience. In way that one rarely experiences, there was little tension. We worked together, played hard, and accomplished far more than anyone expected.
When I think of the names on my list, I realize that my life is best defined by the gifts of relationship that others continue to share with me. By sharing their stories and experiences, I find myself holding hands with hope. By giving me unexpected gifts of patience, I am stronger and more resilient. In being willing to let their journeys run parallel to mine, I can see the future more clearly.
They are extraordinary gifts from people that I wish you knew. They have gone through difficult times and still hold their heads high. They hold views that are often quite different from my own and they still listen.
As much as I value each, I realize that there are names in your story. I hope in time I will have the opportunity to meet them. When I do, I am confident I will be more because of the experience.
