Good Friends Who Love Deeply

We were so incredibly blessed this past weekend; some of our favorite people came to visit!  Dave and Diana were good friends during our time in Chagrin Falls; we were in church together, active in the youth ministry and involved in the lives' of our children in various ways.  Dave and Shannon were good buddies from a children's small group, and their daughter Lisa and I became very close as she navigated her way through young adulthood.  Lisa is now happily married and loving family life.  Their son Andy grew up and became a youth minister.

When Dave emailed to say they were contemplating a mini 'Civil War Tour' with a stop at our place, we were ecstatic.  As it turned out, they had less time than they had anticipated - but they elected to come see us anyway.

We had a great time together on Saturday; dinner and great conversation, including a recap of some crazy memories ("Remember the bonfire that was over three stories high?  Remember some of those Sunday night worship services?")  We not only cruised through the past, though; we caught up on all that's happened since, including Diana's commitment to the people of Mali and the trips she takes several times a year to share the gospel with the people there.  Dave shared about new work experiences and his dream of a church with a vision and passion for people who are far from God.

It was truly a terrific evening.  In many ways, it brought some part of our life full-circle, connecting the past - including times bad and good - and the present, with a great nod towards the future and the exciting challenges ahead of us all.

Sunday morning, they came to PCC.  After sitting through the 9:30 service, they decided to stay and worship again at 11:00.  Knowing that they were in the crowd and that we were worshiping together (in more than just spirit, but geographically!) was really, really cool.

The best part of all is that Dave and Diana are just terrific people, true and authentic and friends in the best sense of the word.  I can't imagine a greater blessing than the gift of their time.

Unless, of course, they decide to move here.

"Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it.  Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply..."  Romans 12.9  The Message