Silver and Gold

In a recent moment of sadness I asked my husband why life had to be so hard.  His reply was timely and true, "What you mean is why are relationships so meaningful."  His answer didn't keep my bittersweet tears from flowing but it's truth has been ringing in my ears all summer. 

This same sentiment produced a reaction of joy two weeks ago as our family made our annual trek to Cary, NC.  For almost a decade the well manicured suburbian town was where we watched our kids grow from three babies into varying levels of cute big kids and smelly pre-teens and teens.  These summer visits are always busy and crammed with as many people as possible.  There's never enough time to see all the people we would like but we soak up the time we have with the friends we manage to squeeze in. 

One crew that is forever and always on our "must see" list is the Peterson Family.  We met them when we were both families of four trying to figure out how to parent these creatures we call offspring.  For years the question that crossed our lips wasn't "What shall we do Friday night?" but rather "Are we going to the Petersons or are they coming here?"  As the years went by and we added children to our brood we rode the waves of parenting and marriage together.  When one couple trekked through the trials that come with this broken world the other pair would walk along side sharing the load.  At times, these were heartbreaking, tear-filled journeys that seemed impossible to endure.  We also experienced the joy that comes in the morning as God fulfilled His promise of grace and mercy.  Few know Andy and Leah Jones better than Jared and Beth Peterson.  It's always a time of refreshment to be with those who understand your brokenness, love you despite your eccentricities and with whom time is always a treasure.  Our weekend with these sweet friends felt as if no time had passed and our camaraderie left very little dead air.

Last Friday night back in North Georgia, I partied with a few ladies from our church. By partied I mean we hung out eating good food, partaking in adult beverages, and finishing complete thoughts with full sentences that are impossible when our children are present. There were moments when I felt recognized as someone with whom they have memories.  The years don't go back as far and the valleys of the last three years haven't been quite so treacherous but I can feel the roots of the sweet friendships around me deepening.  Pondering friendships that span time and distance impresses upon me the importance of knowing and being known.  I feel very blessed to be living out Solomon's wise words from Proverbs 18:24. The relationships God has been faithful to provide are very meaningful, both new and old.

The Raleigh Times- progressive dinner date

The Jones/Peterson offspring...plus a Winston, by age then by height mostly so we can laugh at Emma L'Abri.