Friends in low places

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:5 NIV

“Then the Lord said to Satin, ‘Have you considered my servant Job?  There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”  Job 1:8 NIV

Our former pastor used to place emphasis on the fact that as a church grew larger it had to grow smaller.  He was an advocate of small groups that allowed time for connection with people as well as growth.  We have been in more than one group over the years.  Shortly after Jordyn died we actually sort of hand picked a group.  We did not want to lead it, we just wanted to have the chance to be a part of something.

That group has turned into some of the best friends we have ever had.  Mary and I went out with two other couples this past weekend in what seemed like our first date in a year.  I need to do a better job dating my wife, although maybe our biggest “distractions” call us grandma and pa pa, so we will gladly take the distractions.

We went to an establishment in Hays called The Fort.  We played pool, and shuffle board.  We bowled and threw axes.  That’s a full day.  I also now have a video of my sweet wife throwing an axe.  It was fun.  I do not know about your house, but we do not do that enough.  We have some fun friends.  I actually was joking with my wife that I do not think that I am anyone’s “fun” friend.  Loyal, yes.  Authentic, yes, sort of like a Labrador.

Then I went to work today.  I had a knee replacement in December and missed a few weeks of work.  I am amazed at the amount of pain you can learn to tolerate.  I am also amazed at how free you can feel when the problem gets fixed.  It is the best I have felt on the road for a very long time and wouldn’t you know it, I met a new friend.

I am not normally in a house for over an hour.  I don’t always have conversations about faith, family, scripture I am currently pondering, or the loss of a child.  I think we were both a little surprised to find someone who reads the book of Job.  We talked about all of those things for over an hour.  We also discussed his life and path to where he is now.  Both of us are from Kansas City, turns out we were both born at the same hospital in Kansas City.  We also study sermons from the same podcast.  God introduced me to another brother today. 

I wonder sometimes how many people I miss.  I know physical pain has closed my mind to some interactions.  I am sure that emotional pain has done the same.  As I explained to my newfound friend today.  I think God has a sense of humor.  I really think God feels like I feel when I watch our kids and now our grandkids.  I love that and I think He loves to watch us too. 

Do you find time to spend with friends to just have fun? 

How do you find time to develop new friendships? 

Challenge:  He put me in a job that requires I pay for the names of people to see.  That motivates me to find them.  I should have the same motivation to find the people He wants me to see every day even when I am not on the road.  I also have to be aware of the fact that I am the name on the card for other people.  I need that too. 

Rick Claiborn