Conversations With Loved Ones

As I lay here reflecting over my day yesterday, and excited about what my day may bring today, I couldn't help but share this comment written by "Augustine" as it relates to Godly friendships: "To make conversation, to share a joke, to perform mutual acts of kindness, to read together well-written books, to share in trifling and in serious matters, to disagree though without animosity—just as a person debates with himself—and in the very rarity of disagreement to find the salt of normal harmony, to teach each other something or to learn from one another, to long with impatience for those absent, to welcome them with gladness on their arrival." This really made me think about our conversations with loved ones. A friend of mine and I went over to see my Aunt and Uncle, who had lost their only son, three years ago. Try as we may to get on lighter subjects...it seemed difficult this day. We would try to start over but the gravity of grief that each of us had to share, apparently needed to get out. We started off talking about halfway houses...next thing you know, we are back to an event that changed our life. These "serious matters", while dusted with some humor here and there, had to be released. I stop questioning why some conversations occur and others I think should...don't. That's why I believe that it's always a good idea for me to "Be Still" during these times and try to hear, really hear what their heart is trying to communicate. I'm learning, slow as it may be, that not every void has to be filled. Maybe the void is there for God to fill it...in His time...with what He wants. So, may my goal be one I've asked for several times...to be quick to hear; slow to speak; and slow to anger. As my prayers go out to all who have lost a loved one (the most recent being my son's favorite Uncle), may I always be ready to listen to them and their heart. Romans 8:28. For God causes all things to work together for good.....