Old Friends

From the fall of 1982 to spring of 1987 it was my privilege to serve as the pastor of Lowry Park Community Church in Tampa, FL. One family that was special to us there was the Brisbin family. We knew George and Lois and three of there four children (their oldest son was already living away from home). Over the years since we left Tampa we have stayed in touch. We have pictures of a visit we made to their boat when they lived in Portsmouth, VA in a marina. (I still marvel at how this concrete sailboat stayed afloat.) We were delighted when George and Lois contacted us recently and mentioned they were heading north to celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary. Following a train ride from VA to New Haven, CT, they rented a car and arrived in Windsor Locks late Saturday morning. We had a wonderful visit that afternoon and evening.

Today they worshipped with us and then joined as we shared a fellowship luncheon at our church. I marvel at how this friendship forged so many years ago has continued to the present. We laughed and shared stories about our children who have grown and now are on their own (except for our Shawn). Following lunch today we had to allow them to continue trekking northward to Maine where they will connect with other friends for more celebrating and remembering. We pray for God's protection on them as travel in celebration of 49 years of married life.

Recently I have been thinking alot about friends from my past. Not only have we been able to have them visit us, but I have discovered that the world of the internet has allowed me to connect with many longtime friends. Through Facebook and my blog I have made contact with folks from my college days at Berkshire Christian College and from various places where I have lived. I cannot help but be thankful to God each time I discover friends whom God has been guiding just as he has me and my family. I wonder who I may hear from in the near future, perhaps someone whom I had lost contact with but God is still using in His Kingdom's work. It excites me as I anticipate what's next.