Traveling Lite!

Last week I heard about a traveler who, between flights at an airport, bought a small package of cookies.  She then sat down in a busy snack shop to glance over the newspaper.  As she read her paper, she became aware of a rustling noise. 

Peeking above the newsprint she was shocked to see a well-dressed gentleman sitting across from her, helping himself to her cookies.  Half-angry and half-embarrassed, she reached over and gently slid the package closer to her as she took one out and began to munch on it.

A minute or so passed before she heard more rustling.  The man had gotten another cookie!  By now there was only one cookie left in the package.  Though flabbergasted, she said nothing.  Finally, as if to add insult to injury, the man broke the remaining cookie into two pieces, gulped down his half, and left without even saying “thank you.”  She sat there, dumbfounded.

Some time later when her flight was announced, the woman opened her handbag to get her ticket.  To her shock, there in her purse was her package of cookies.  And somewhere in that same airport was another traveler still trying to figure out how that strange woman could have been so forward and insensitive.  Author unknown

Reflections:

Traveling to Montana for a women’s event, I never dreamed a friendship would begin.   Two young women with totally opposite personalities collided and became lifelong girlfriends.  

Dee has alway been a no-nonsense, goal setting woman who embraces laughter and life with a bear hug.  She is wise beyond her years with a sensitive heart.  I have seen her notice a complete stranger in need, and stop to help them. 

My friend has the keen business savvy of Donald Trump (with good hair), and the creative talents of Martha Stewart— a domestic goddess with a warped twist.  She has a style all her own; a possible visual might include Peppy Long-stockings dressed in Ralph Lauren, with the sense of humor and the quirkiness of Carol Burnett— ready to laugh at almost anything (especially herself).  That is my dear friend, Dee.

She is a very physical and thinks she hasn’t had a thorough work out unless she is sweating buckets.  My idea of a good workout is a color coordinated sweat suit, 1-inch gold flip-flops and pearls, fully loaded makeup, hairdo—the works.  (In case I run into someone I might know).

Besides, I never sweat, I mist. Taking a walk with us is truly comic relief.  Dee in practical shoes and clothing, charging ahead, getting the workout over in good time, with as much sweat as possible; while I leisurely stroll along, trying my best not to get all misty, gingerly stepping over rocks, puddles, and other debris. 

Although we have never lived in the same continent, we try to meet occasionally.  I love having a friend to talk to; someone in whom I can confide my deepest secrets (even if she is jogging circles around me so she can keep her heart rate up.)

            But the greatest comfort about my friend, Dee, is the assurance that our friendship is secure. I know she loves me even with all the fluff and glitter, blonde hair and pearls. She allows me to the freedom to be myself, I never have to impress her; she is already on my side, and loves me.

I have often heard it said, “If you have five best friends in a lifetime you are fortunate.”  True friendship is a blessing. ©

The Bible says;

“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish 

but have eternal life.” John 3:16

The longer I live, I realize that I would not have made it without my friendship with Jesus. I can talk to him, rely on him and trust him.

He is my shelter in the storms, and most of all I know he loves me and wants the best for me. 

Where would I be without him?

 Who is your best friend?

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, have a wonderful week.

Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan