Had a nice breakfast with an old friend, former pastor and occasional writing client Saturday, Arni Jacobson. But friend is how I best describe Arni after a quarter-century of knowing each other.Good to catch up with someone who just accepts you, flaws and all... and to offer the same back. Over the years, we've explored all facets of those things.
As you get older, you appreciate people more, see them for who they are underneath. Sometimes, the treasure you find is not totally unexpected; you suspected it was there and now, voilà, there it is, exposed to the bright light of day, in full view. Confirmation.
With others, you have to dig through the mud a bit, pull out that lump of something, wash it off and discover you have had a big old raw, uncut diamond all along.
Each person in your life is a gem to God in some way. If we, as flawed mortals, are able to discover the treasures in our lives by peering under the mundane expectations a lifetime of cynicism brings, we touch the heart and mind of God.
So, as we split a Village Inn breakfast -- I took the scrambled eggs and fruit cup, he the french toast and bacon -- my friend and I talked about what we've learned in our relationships with others -- friends, family, professional acquaintances and colleagues.
It comes down to loving more, forgiving more, and letting resentments go. You come to appreciate, rather than regret the scars.
I'm a living metaphor for that epiphany.
At least, I do believe I'm getting there.
I'll let you know, from time to time, how that works out.
