A Kaleidoscope Life

This is the third of five blogs about my recent trip to the Seattle area. 

I approached the door, wondering how this visit with an old friend would go. We met when we were about 7 or 8 and spent many years of our childhood together. Since that time, we periodically have corresponded and seen each other occasionally for short visits…often at a social gathering with many other people. This is the first time as an adult I would spend the night at her home. Just the two of us.

I found myself wondering: what would this lengthy visit actually be like? Would we discover that our only connection was the past, or would there be new ways of relating in this current season of life?

It was, of course, a trip down memory lane, with lots of remembered adventures and stories from years past. Then there were the side trips, as we explained our history as “grown-ups” and our evolving families. There were some sad moments as we talked about loss. The loss of parents. The loss of friends. And then tons of laughter, as we shared about the funny moments of life, both past and present. 

Several times we expressed appreciation – and even amazement – at the gifts we had been given as children. We were loved, we had the opportunity to learn, to play, to have fun. We were so protected that we were unaware of the many responsibilities and challenges faced by our parents. 

Looking back, we now can see that our parents endured some tough moments. And, of course, we both have faced our own tough moments over the years, as well. 

And now – here in the second half of life – we find ourselves content. Content with what has been and content with what is. Content with what we have experienced, and what we have overcome, and what we have achieved. And full of joy at a friendship that has endured and now has found new ground.

It was a wonderful, encouraging, refreshing visit. A visit based on our past, and now re-defined in the present. 

So what does this have to do with moving forward in the life of faith? 

This visit helped me gain a deeper sense of gratefulness to God and trust in his unfolding plans. I felt like I was able to see my life as something of a kaleidoscope: ever turning, ever changing, ever beautiful as God takes the different events of life – those jagged, colored pieces of glass – and continually shapes them into something new. 

Such as a special old friendship that finds new ground. An old friend who knows me well, who offers insights about her journey...and mine...that helps me gain fresh perspective. Who - perhaps without even knowing it - helps me see the kaleidoscope of my life in a new light. 

I realized that looking back with her…and looking around with her…helps me to look forward. To look forward, trusting that God is in control. He’s been so faithful in the past, and faithful in the present, that I can trust him for whatever lies ahead.

I have been reminded that the colors and shapes of my kaleidoscope often will change…yet my God will have his hand on all that takes place. The pieces may tumble around in ways that appear disordered, and yet – because of my great God – the end result always will be something of beauty. 

That’s what God has been doing for me, and I know he is doing it for you. Sometimes we just need a friend to help us see the kaleidoscope of our lives more clearly.

Let me pray for you. Dear Jesus, Thank you for providing your guidance in our every moment. Help each blog reader to have a sense of gratefulness for the relationships your provide and the ways your work in their lives. You provide gifts of laughter, love and memories to sustain and strengthen each person. Help them to trust you in the ever-moving, ever-changing, kaleidoscope of their own lives. Help them to see the beauty of what you are creating in them, and around them, each and every day. And please give them friends who will help them see their lives more clearly. In your name, Amen.