Posted by
Doctor Bart on Saturday, April 12, 2008 10:47:48 AM
I spent time with an old friend this week. I had lunch with Rod on Thursday. I met Rod in 1979. I was a senior in high school and he led the singing for a youth group I attended. We became roommates for a few years, and have stayed in contact ever since.
The most remarkable thing about our friendship is how little we seem to have in common. Rod has never been married, I have been married for 26 years. Rod knows absolutely nothing about sports, I am a sports freak (my wife will vouch for my unhealthy obsession with baseball.) Rod loves nature hikes and the outdoors, my idea of camping involves a Winnebago. And yet, 29 years after we first met, we remain friends.
We are friends because although at first glance we seem to have little in common, the little in common we have is the stuff that matters.
We share a common faith, a common belief that life is to be lived with a higher purpose and for a higher call. We are both striving to find God's place for us, we are both desiring to be a part of building God's Kingdom. We have shared values. When it comes to what matters, we are together, lock step in our journey.
Reflecting on our relationship I am compelled to wonder how many friendships have been lost or never born because of superficial things. Thank God Rod and I took the time to go a little deeper.