Saturday, December 12, 2009

I am rich!

"We don't have to define wealth in terms of money. Why not define it by relationships, friendships and community well-being?" -- John D. Ivanko

If I define wealth in terms of friendships, I recognize that I am rich indeed. This week I have been blessed with time around some amazing friends. Last night Zac and I spent the evening with two of our friends who feel like family to us. What a gift it is to sit in the presence of friends and be comfortable with conversation or times of companionable silence. To be relaxed enough to let all sides of your personality show, even the awkward parts that you try to hide from others. What a relief to open yourself up, knowing that you will be loved no matter what you say or do.

This morning I had the pleasure of meeting a life-long friend for breakfast. For two hours we sat in the morning sunlight at Bruegger's Bagels and chatted vigorously, catching up on all that had happened in our lives in recent weeks and discussed all that was to come. I think we could have talked the whole day away!

It is an incredible feeling to walk away from time spent with friends and feel your heart smiling. What a joy to not recognize the cold air around you because you're reflecting on the warm conversation and thinking about the next time you can be around those friends.

I am rich.