High School Friends

I laughed today, it felt satisfying and good. In fact I laughed many times and I just looked in the mirror and I am still smiling. It has been a long time since I have felt this general sense of well being.

This afternoon was my pre-35 year reunion meeting. I was nervous about going. Afraid that no one would know me… afraid that no one would want to talk to me…. afraid I would find nothing in common with these people that I went to school with. Well, none of those fears were realized today. I hugged and kissed people I have not seen in 30 years. People that I was genuinely glad to see and hear how their lives have gone. I felt affirmed and valued and I was touched at the school incidents that people remembered and shared.

Near the end of the meeting as I was talking, I was asked this question, “Did I do anything to you that I need to apologize for or did I hurt you in any way?” I was very surprised at the depth of that question. In this case there was nothing to forgive and I was warmed and touched that he took such a risk with me and asked.

That question has got me thinking …. what would be different in my life and in the lives of those around me if I asked them that? I wonder how many potential problems I could head off, if I put more thought into the relationship, put more of “me” on the line. It is kind of a scary thought, because there might be things that I am unaware of , that I do need to apologize for … things I really do not want to hear. I guess it is really about humbling my “importance” and my "fears" for the well being of someone else. It is about caring for the people around me.

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9

I think I am going to ponder this question and pray about what God would have me do. I think it might be time for me to be stretched.

Just Connie

High School Reunion

I was busy and happy throughout high school. I was involved in everything and felt a part of the flow of high school activities. I have many good memories of those years. After graduation I sporadically kept in contact with a few, but over the years had lost track of even those few.

Several years ago I registered with classmates.com and occasionally I have heard from someone I went to school with. That has been a lot of fun but not too demanding or intimidating.

A couple of weeks ago I got a notice that there was a pre 35 year reunion meeting and I thought “O that would be fun.” But the closer it got, the scarier it got. I was relieved when I had a conflict with another meeting. But then my conflict resolved, I still could not bring myself to call for a reservation. It just felt risky. My mother began to nag me. (you know mothers always know best) One night I finally picked up the courage and called the organizer who had been a high school friend of mine.

It was wonderful to talk to her and the years rolled away as we updated each other. Tomorrow is the get together and I find that I am looking forward to it. I think it will be a great time of reminiscing. It will also offer the chance to get to know the adults that my friends grew into. I think that we probably all want the same thing. A chance to belong, connect and to be respected. I guess it is not all that different from high school after all.

Just Connie