McLives

Leanne and Bethea recently shared in our Sunday School class that they both had the wonderful opportunity of "running" into old friends that they have not seen in years. While I listened to them share, I realized that I was feeling a little...Jealous. I wanted to "run into" someone from my past (and I am not talking about my ex-boyfriend who is now a sheriff's deputy for Linn County!) I don't remember if I actually, prayed or if God just heard my subconscious yearning. But, he came through just the same. A few days ago, while stopping by Wal-Mart, I ran into a childhood friend that I have not seen in a long time. It was so good to see her. I only manage to see this person once a year or so. We stood there in the aisle trying to catch each other up to speed with our respective lives. After we left, I felt so blessed to have been able to see someone from my past that was so dear to me. However, my joy was tempered by the fact that I really don't know much about her life, anymore. I have drifted out of her life and she has drifted out of mine. The shame is in the fact that we allowed it to happen at all. All of us are so busy. We operate and conduct our lives by the fast food mentality of: get in and get out. Sadly, we are missing opportunities to bless and care for those around us by not taking the time to slow down. I am pretty sure that this frenetic pace and expansive consumption of our lives is not what God had in mind when he thought up the concept of community. Believe me, I am just as guilty. Ephesians 5: 15 and 16 says, "Be very careful, then, how you should live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord's will is." I don't know about you but I needed to hear that! The very next day after running into my friend, I sent her a card. I do not want to have any more regrets. I pray that the Lord will help us all to slow down and see those opportunities that await our attention. I just hope that if I run into my old "ex"(boyfriend, that is) the red and blue lights aren't flashing!