Blog
May
04
Old friends are better than $1,000,000,000
I hijacked the EdgePoint blog spot! So I’ll take a few minutes to share some of my thoughts with you
(This is written by Beth Ritchie by the way, the real boss 
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Some of you probably know that Jason and I were youth pastors once upon a time. I think that was probably some of the most fun, rewarding, and passionate times in our lives. Some people think we’re crazy I’m sure, but teenagers rock.
Back to my title, old friends are better than some huge amount of money. I was reminded of that this weekend. A girl who was in on of our former “youth groups” (I hate that term) was in Knoxville playing softball for the University of Florida. She asked if we’d like to come see her play. Our answer, “Are you frikkin kidding me? I wouldn’t miss it.” What I really wanted was to see her face, give her a huge hug, and let her know how very special she is.
Relationships are worth much more than anything we could ever possess in this world. I thought about staying at home, taking a nap, going about my own daily routine. But then I thought, what are you thinking! This is an opportunity to reconnect with someone i haven’t seen in years; someone I was very close to for a time. Someone I cared for, loved, and still do. And I also realized that seeing her play and enjoying her success is worth so much more to me than selfishly enjoying myself, my stuff, my way. And that relationships are worth far more than the time I give them.
I need to spend more time and energy investing in people I love, and reaching out to people who need love & friendship. And I need to reach out to those who need a caring relationship. I need to freely offer the love of Jesus that he freely gave me. I hope that made sense even though it sounds kinda weird when I read it back.There is no better feeling in the world to know that you are cared for, cherished, loved, needed, special...you get the picture. I need to forget about the stuff: the dishes, the carpet, my getting things done in general and take time to tend & grow the relationships I have. I have a feeling that at the end of life it won’t matter how clean my house was or how much time I spend on “me” stuff, but I will remember and cherish the memories of my family and friends.
