Home Again!

The older I become, the more I realize that true friends (the ones who travel the distance) are few and far between; consequently, I am purposing to spend as much time as possible with the few I have. Yes, I still love to make new friends but I must admit that I am a bit (well, more than a bit) doubtful about the longevity of the relationship; if you will be honest, you will probably admit that the same is true for you. Anyway, Annis and I spent this past week with several true friends and we had an incredible time playing golf (the men), eating (both), and shopping (mostly the women). I told them we could sleep after we are dead, so we tried to enjoy as many waking hours as we possibly could. One night, I fried 3 1/2 pounds of fresh, local shrimp and five pieces of fresh fish, and we almost ate every piece of it. As you might imagine, with that many shrimp and fish swimming around in one's stomach, staying awake that night was rather easy.

If you would like, you can meet these friends (at least the men) in the attached picture: (l-r) Jack Faniola; Brer Russell; Phil Bumpus; and, well, I think you will recognize the one on the far right; the hat should be a dead give away.) Anyway, Jack (a retired dentist from Connecticut) is a relatively new friend, especially in light of the length of time I have known Brer and Phil, but a true friend non-the-less; Brer (a retired Pharmacist) and I grew up together in Reynolds (if we ever grew up), so we are lifetime friends; and I met Phil (a now-retired Pharmacist) in 1960, when I began my Freshman year at Asbury College in Wilmore, KY. Of the four, I am the only one who is not retired--go figure!

Anyway, I want to encourage you to nurture your true friendships, even if it means traveling from Missouri or Connecticut or the South Pole. When you get right down to it, they are priceless and more-than-worthy of being nurtured. All I can tell you is this: when we are together, life is easy and we have fun!

Just thought you would want to know!

Much love,
Your Pastor