In the last several weeks I have had the privilege of reconnecting with some special people. April 1 a group of ladies I went to high school with all came together to enjoy a meal with one another, remember who we were, and to see where life had taken each of us. What fun it was to see pictures of families and hear stories of what each one has chosen to do with her life up to now. Some of these ladies had been good friends, some just barely, and some we really didn't get along "back in the day". But that night it was different we were adults and had a common point to come together on. That point was our 50th birthdays this year.

Just a week ago I met a friend that I hadn't seen in months and enjoyed a cup of tea with her as we chatted and reaquainted ourselves with each other's life. She and I share so much in common and so little. Our lives have woven through each other's now and then and I have learned much from her discernment mixed with compassion.

The very next day two friends came for tea. Nothing unusual in that, at least not at my house. But this day was special. These two women have never sat in my kitchen and enjoyed a cup of tea with me. I have not fellowshiped with either of them in almost 20 years. They came for tea and lunch and stayed until dinner time. We laughed and reminisced about the past, shared some tears over what has fallen into our lives, and found the precious relationship available through the Holy Spirit that makes us one in Him.

In the last year I have connected with cousins I have never met, others I haven't seen in years, long lost relatives and friends that I haven't seen since childhood.I found a friend on face book that I knew when I lived in Michigan for 2 years in 5th and part of 6th grade. I sort of recognized her picture, sent her a message asking if it was her and we have continued to communicate in what has become for me a special relationship. I have come to treasure her as a friend as I have learned about her and the things in common and the differences in our lives. I rejoiced with her long distance over her wedding in January, and hope that one of these days when she's traveling east with her husband on a truck run, she will have time to swing close enough to Delaware to stop for dinner. What a hoot that will be! A good friend moved away in 1983 and we met for lunch while I visited her area last summer. Picking up like it was yesterday we have found a sweet bond that time has not diminished.

As I think about the reconnection with all these people I can't help but notice how each has touched my life and contributed in some way to the person I am today, even the long distance, long lost relatives. I am reminded that our God is a God who renews and restores, who takes what is lost and dead, finds it and gives life. He grants us blessing and treasure beyond measure. I am aware that I am blessed everyday as I look into the faces of my husband, my children, and my grandchildren. But this recent flow of renewed and fresh friendships have reminded me just how full and overflowing my blessings truly are.

Touch

The push and stretch of muscles
The flow of blood
Pressure and touch, toxin released
Pulling the strain and aches from my body.

The knots loosen
the stress is released
My body relaxes.

I know the power of this rest
For I know a deeper rest
A truer peace

Your Spirit pulls at the muscles of my spirit
Allowing the flow of Your blood
and the toxins in my spirit release
Purity and strength
Peace & rest
flow from Your touch.


Tomorrow I have an appointment with Jenn. Jenn is trained in massage therapy and will use her knowledge of muscles and their manipulation to bring a deep physical peace to my stressed body. I don't view these appointments as a treat. I see them as part of managing the affect of the stress in my life. Not that life is horrible, it is busy and stressful.

These appointments also serve as reminder to me. They remind me of the way the Holy Spirit works the truth of the love of Christ into my being until it brings a deep abiding peace that infuses my thoughts, my body, and my spirit with a deeper trust and a rest that only comes through His touch.