"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Greater love has this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12&13 (NIV)
It was so nice to be with people I love in Michigan, even if our time was short. God uses long trips, and treasured time with loved ones to bring us closer to Him and each other. I can't explain the joy I felt just being in your presence again.
I was able to have lunch with two dear friends from grade school. I hadn't seen Susan since we graduated from high school. She's still as zany and lovable as she always was! Glenda, is just as sweet as she ever was. I'm so glad they're my sisters in Christ. Faith and life experiences have brought us closer to Christ and each other.
I spent an afternoon with my dear friend Nancy Lacy. She once said we were "kindred spirits" bound in Christ's love and blessed with a cherished friendship. I'm so glad she and her family are back in Michigan to live. After twenty three years of absence, we were setting across the table laughing and talking again, as if we'd never been apart. But then, maybe we were never really far apart, because she was always in my heart.
Mark and I spent lots of time with family. What a pleasure it is to visit intimately with people, not just the surface, hi how are you doing surface talk. We enjoyed deep conversations, meaningful times reading God's word, long walks with deep thoughts, and enjoying lots of wonderful fattening foods. (I think everyone over fed and lavished us on our rich favorites. My sister Steph should open her own restaurant-she's an awesome cook!)
As I think back over the trip God brought me closer to Him and all the people I was with. It really is a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the family of God. I thank Him everyday for each one of you. God has woven our lives together and I'm so glad He did. I love you all dearly as my family in Christ, but also as my beloved friends. I hope you know and feel the love.
I am so glad God commanded us to love one another. In Christ that is so easy to do with all of you!
