Friends of My Father
No photo this time, sorry, I'm in Canada and connectionally challenged (I'm doing this on a borrowed computer). But as it's been awhile, I want to post a comment on a verse from Proverbs (in the Bible).
"Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father..." (Proverbs 27:10)
I am currently chasing around Southern Ontario, visiting -friends. Keeping up friendships intercontinentally is difficult. But, it is well worthwhile. For instance,there are the friends who live 15 minutes from Pearson International Airport in Toronto- how handy is that? They are in their 80's. Too old, even for me? Nope. One is a "cousin" (by Elliot-McAllister standards, anything up to about 64th cousin is close). We met at a family reunion several years ago, one organized by people who know the importance of friends- same age, years apart, related or otherwise. I am also meeting with friends of my father (and mother). They really do care about me, their friend's son- and my children, too.
This time, I returned to find a number of them have passed on. I have been reminiscing with my parents about these friends, and what they meant to us. As I grow older, my hope and prayer is that I may be a friend for my friend's children in my turn. A small investment in time and concern can mean so much. I have been blessed, and want to be a blessing in my turn.
"Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father..." (Proverbs 27:10)
I am currently chasing around Southern Ontario, visiting -friends. Keeping up friendships intercontinentally is difficult. But, it is well worthwhile. For instance,there are the friends who live 15 minutes from Pearson International Airport in Toronto- how handy is that? They are in their 80's. Too old, even for me? Nope. One is a "cousin" (by Elliot-McAllister standards, anything up to about 64th cousin is close). We met at a family reunion several years ago, one organized by people who know the importance of friends- same age, years apart, related or otherwise. I am also meeting with friends of my father (and mother). They really do care about me, their friend's son- and my children, too.
This time, I returned to find a number of them have passed on. I have been reminiscing with my parents about these friends, and what they meant to us. As I grow older, my hope and prayer is that I may be a friend for my friend's children in my turn. A small investment in time and concern can mean so much. I have been blessed, and want to be a blessing in my turn.
posted by John Elliot | 4:14 AM
4 Comments:
I've been thinking alot on that theme these past years, too. The one about passing on the blessings. There's nothing much I can do for those of the older generation who took me in at odd moments of my life (the transitional ones where I didn't have employment or money). I guess the only thing I can do is assure them that I'll do the same for other people who are in the sorts of situations that I used to be in.
As great as blogs and such are for mass communication, they don't hold a candle to the communication of my grandparents generation. When I stayed with my grandparents we would go 'visitin' every Sunday afternoon. We would drive to peoples homes and just chat with them. Then once a summer we would go on an extended roadtrip winding our way through Eastern Montana, stopping at every relative's home along the way. I treasure the stories and the blessings of friendship with older people. I hope I can pass that tradition along.
Hi Uncle John. Sorry I missed you while you were in Toronto. It would have been great to see you! Enjoy the rest of your trip... Maybe next time you're in the country we'll be able to do some 'visitin' !
Hi John. Thanks for the posting. I'd like to add the reverse title of your post "my friends parents". It works the same way as you described and I experienced it more than just once, to become friends with the parents of my friends.
So whats the key? Meet everybody as friend, with hospitality and real concerns about whats going on.
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