For the past three days, anywhere from eight to twenty-four people  have filled our home with warmth and laughter. We have eaten, laughed, played; encouraged one another, enjoyed each other, listened with our hearts; lifted up praise and worship, shared our needs, and prayed for one another. I guess you could say we got the best spiritual spa treatment ever; delighting in the rich infusement of His love, poured out afresh in our lives! Ahhhh! Is there anything better than enjoying friends in the Lord?

It was wonderful but was NOT easy.  Remember this is life between the trees we’re talking about- we’re not in Heaven yet! LOL  The flu manifested its ugly head throughout half of our ranks at varying times. People had work restraints, school midterms, travel sickness, and just general tiredness to deal with. Add to that juggling what we were going to do when- and when we were going to eat what! LOL But all those “little inconveniences” that could have put quite a damper on our reunion were shooed away like pesky gnats. We had a bigger, more noble goal.

Treasure the people God has intertwined in your life!

I am exponentially being convinced there are treasures ALL around us. Some hidden- some right in front of us! We have to open our eyes to the mother lode of the riches our Heavenly Father invented- heart to soul fellowship.

I think Bethany is right:it really is about loving God and loving people. 🙂

 I saw this as Finley, my grandaughter, immediately struck up a friendship with Tanner. (after knowing each other after only three days, Finley was crying because she’s going to miss her new best friend)  Bethany went to bed crying also.” I miss dem. I need dem. Why can’t they live with us?”  (Of course, in Bethany’s perfect world, everyone she loves would live with us and well- we’d definitely need a really big house!!!)  

I wish we had more time to share but perhaps by just sharing this little glimpse- it will encourage you to SEIZE the treasure of fellowship and friends.  Intentionally integrate fellowship- communion- heart to soul- with those the Lord has so richly surrounded you with.  In person, on the phone, by email, through Facebook, by a written letter, with words, without words, with a hug, with a smile, with tears, with rejoicing, but especially with God’s everlasting love- REACH out and Love somebody.

Surprising Treasure:  A Friend is a friend FOREVER when the Lord’s the Lord of them!