Bonnie has just left here to return home from what was a wonderful and intellectually stimulating visit. You can't be five minutes with Bonnie without having the brain synapses firing off in all sorts of directions... the words just start to tumble out over each at times. Wouldn't it be great if we could get a mini-conference of like-minded women bloggers going? It would be fun to the x power.
I've been a bit AWOL - sorry. That happens to me in real life, too, sometimes, and I am always sorry that I separate so far after having a time of building the relationship. It reminds me of how valuable that person/group is to me. Such was the effect of meeting with Bonnie. Our relating together builds friendship and fulfills the need we all have for fellowship; all it takes is a little time and effort.
We tend to circle around in our accustomed avenues of life, and the accentuation of something a bit different, such as meeting with more time and intensity of sharing, doing something different, sparks new life within us. At least, a new appreciation and perspective forms.
I think building good memories is as simple as being open to them and stretching to embrace those around us more often. We spend way too much time on our things, and those don't give us near the satisfaction that sharing our lives may do.
Of course, we have to want the outcome to be positive. It is often a concerted effort of our will to be ...as the Bible directs... looking for the good, believing for the best, and determined to relate in a way that encourages and strengthens. That part is something of a discipline, because while it happens easily and effortlessly with those on our same wavelength, there are those (especially in family, as the old adage goes: we don't choose our family) who benefit from our working to get along. This doesn't need to be difficult- just decided.
After having a thoroughly enjoyable time getting to know Bonnie and her family better I can highly recommend taking the time to build memories of good times and good talk (throwing in a little good food doesn't hurt either!).
Hope you are building some good memories together with family, friends, and those God places in your pathway this summer.
