Lake Night

Someone once said that if you want to get to know someone, work with them. And that is true. There is something about laboring with people, day in and day out, through the good and the bad, that forms deep relationships. And we truly have been through the best and the worst. We've laughed; we've cried. We've ranted; we've encouraged. We've survived; we've grown. When one is down, another is up. When one is 'done', another helps. And, though most of us were fast friends, our friendships have been strengthened. We share an unspoken desire to protect each other, to carry each others' burdens.

A few months ago, amid the great stress of work, several of us decided we should start doing things together after-hours. It started out as a goodbye party for one of us...I can't remember who left first. But we had so much fun we decided to make it a regular gig. So far, we've 'celebrated' someone's departure every single time. (Yes, we really have had that many people leave, for one reason or another.) But we love our outings. They give us a common ground other than work. And they remind us how much we really enjoy each other.

Thursday night we had the best outing to date. After work we all met in Pryor, then headed to Hudson Lake, where we loaded up in Lindsay and Travis's boat. It was like salve on a wounded soul. Being out on the lake with friends, all things quiet and serene...

Travis drove us around for a while, then to a lakeside restaurant where we sat on the deck to eat. So much laughter.

Leeboy...Burned-down trailers...Hugs in intersections...Nine-Fingers...Dixey Dill...

On our way back to the dock, the sunset was pink, the water smooth glass, the air strong, the conversation sweet. Absolute beauty.

We went to Lindsay's house for a while. I loved getting to know Lindsay, my dear friend, in that capacity. Some people have learned how to be hospitable, while others have the gift of hospitality. Lindsay has the gift.

I'm thankful for the quietude of the Lord's creation. And for the blessing of friends.