Loving the Right Things

I have always loved Graham because he has taught me how to love what is most important. Last week we went to visit a friend that he has known for 25 years. He and Bob worked at Bell South together for years. About a year and a half ago Bob was diagnosed with brain cancer. He had just met a wonderful lady and they married and moved to Fairhope just before his diagnosis. He have kept in touch through CaringBridge and decided to go visit them. We were going to stay in a hotel with our clan, but Bob and Helen graciously invited us to stay with them. My first reaction was to decline, but why? the whole point of the visit was to spend time with them, encourage them and let them know that we really appreciate who they are and what they have been through. And what a blessing it was to stay with them. Wonderful food, watching football, playing football, watching Bob play the piano, watching Helen care for them as if they were her own. Relationships take time, energy and a little bit of messiness. As we drove home one of the kids said that they thought we drove all that way to do something- like a vacation. What a joy to explain that the purpose of our visit was all about the people- investing in the lives of others because they are precious in the sight of God. No souvenirs, toys, trips to Wal-Mart- just the delight of being with those you care for. Loving the right things takes time and energy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.