It rained today. It isn't supposed to rain. It's dry season. We were out and about on our motorbike with just one rain poncho between us. I let Mr. wear it, because as the driver in front, he catches most of the wet. I huddled down behind him, and only got slightly damp.
We met a friend for breakfast. Older man. Mentor. I feel calmed and reassured by his presence. His thoughts are deep and I just drink them in. And yet he always takes interest in our ideas. We can go from discussing the aspects of the new heaven and new earth, to laughing over the latest episode of American Idol. (and he isn't even from the US!) (sometimes I wonder if he's laughing AT us instead of WITH us; probably a little of both) ;-)
Two other men in the past have made me feel this way. My grandfather, and my art professor in college. They always had time for me, they were steady, they were men of integrity and wisdom. I lost them both four years ago. After their deaths, the world seemed a little less safe, more chaotic and dark.
What a treasure this friend is.
This evening, the shoe was on the other foot. We were part of a panel of "adults" answering questions about relationships for teenagers in a youth group. It felt weird. When did we become the ones people looked to for answers? Why should we have any credibility at all in their eyes?
Everyone said we did great. I didn't have a good feel for it while we were talking. Some seemed to be paying attention, some were squirmy and bored, some chatted in the back of the room. I wondered if we were connecting at all. We just tried to be honest. I wonder if they heard us.
When I was their age, some things adults said simply didn't make sense. I needed more life under my belt before I could understand.
No comments:
Post a Comment