Recently, through a rather miraculous chain of events, the kind the unimaginative would call mere coincidence, I ran into the parents of a dear college friend.
Mr. and Mrs. R. were my parents away from home and it's likely they altered the trajectory of my life. Their hospitality, generosity and interest spoke "love" in buckets and their lives embodied the Golden Rule. They were teachers by profession, but more importantly, by example.
Adding exponentially to the miracle of our "chance" meeting, were two facts:
- I had been talking about them the night before to the friends with whom we were staying;
and the more amazing point to me–
- Mrs. R., also the night before, had been reading a note from me tucked inside the cookbook my college roommate and I had gifted her.
We were literally just miles apart, thinking about one another, after not seeing each other in well over 25 years.
I celebrated our meeting by writing about it, and after Mrs. R. read my account, she took time to write a thank you note to me and share a copy of that sad little note I had penned to her so long ago. I'm so thankful I had the good sense and writing etiquette to date it; the note bears testimony to the wonder of our friendship.
When one heart is knit to another in friendship's deep and true affections, neither time nor space can unravel their sweet connection.
What is it about women that we can pick up right where we left off, ending the time with those we love with commas and not periods, no matter the time between visits? Is it that our hearts have muscle-memory and can bring current the feelings and affections we sowed so long ago?
The next time you find yourself thinking about a long-lost friend, consider the wonder that she might be thinking about you at that very moment. Find a pen and write her. Pick up the phone and call her.
You might just find yourself right on time for a Divine appointment.
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Amazing yarn heart image by Almasa-stock at deviantart.com.
Love this, Robin! I am going to share it with the ladies in my Bible study group. 🙂
Lyli!! That blesses my heart AND makes my day! Thank YOU!
LOVE this and I’ve thought the exact same thing. In November, a group of college friends will reunite and although it has been almost ten years since we’ve all been together, I know the chatter will never cease and our hearts will be full for two straight days. You’re so right–love the “muscle memory” you speak of, it’s brilliant. 🙂
Yes! I’ve been working so hard to be more intentional about this, to pick up the phone or text or email when someone is on my heart. (Also, um…your “over 30 years old” letter was written almost exactly a month before I was born…I love that. I love that I know you.)
I love this! “is it our hearts have muscle memory…”
I think YES – with kindred spirits!
I read the post about seeing Mrs. R after those many years. It was touching to read and reminded me of a dear friend whom I met while living out of state for college.
Women’s hearts are more tender and geared to remembering dates & people than men. I make it a priority to keep a prayer journal and call or check up on my friends and family no matter how far away.
I also keep cards and letters from people–perhaps I’ve only met once, Yet rereading them brings back so many memories of our meeting. I wonder if other women do the same?