Leaving On A Jet Plane

It's the last day of vacation. I'm doing laundry, which is definitely indicative of a return to reality. I've taken off that ragged baggage tag in preparation for a new one. It's always been interesting to me how airports are bittersweet. One direction is exciting and one way, not so much. The same is true of baggage tags. I was so glad to see that last baggage tag go on and now I rather dread seeing the next one applied. It means a small,but precious period of time has come to a close.

One thing I have learned over the last few days is that time is a great big plow. In its wake it leaves many things upturned and the sun, rain, and seasons bake, grow and shape our lives. It has been somewhat painful to see. It reminds me that we can never return to the former things. And if we are honest, that is usually a good thing. The best part, though, in observing what time has wrought is what remains. After seasons of grief, joy, loneliness, happiness, helplessness, pain... Love. Love is what remains. I love, and am loved, just as much now, as then. I see that I will always have these friends. Time change. Distance. Life. These keep us from constant interaction. But when we make the effort to reconnect, the bonds remain. It's amazing to see.

I'm dreading the goodbyes that come today and tomorrow. I brought my sunglasses and scarf just for this purpose.

FYI - when you are on a plane, and your heart is full of grief, your sunglasses and scarf will bring you comfort. You will care not about the people around you. Your eyes and nose will rain tears and snot. You will be a big, unattractive mess, but these things will ease this dark passage. I recommend them for every journey you take that will end in heartache.

Friends, as I sit here in these few quiet moments, looking at the phenomenal mountains my God made, and consider the hours ahead... My heart aches. Just. aches. I don't know when next I will see these dear-to-me faces. What I do know is this. You should give your heart away. In huge chunks. Reach out. Today. Invite people into your home. Invite people into your life. Give love. Give lots of love. You will never be sorry. The cost is great. For sure. No matter how the story ends, though, the journey through is precious, and paved with very good things. And, more often than not I believe, you will find yourself a treasure - friendship. Guard it well. Water it. And the joy and pain will follow you all the days of your life.

Worth it. Worth every minute.