Long Silence

Time spent with friends, both real and fictional. That has been my week in a nutshell. I am still tired and ill, but I spent a delightful weekend reading the new Harry Potter, which I was pleasantly surprised by. Since I know some of you haven't read or finished it, I will leave it at that.

In other aspects life has been normal. I still have no job, which is beginning to worry me, but I am hanging on. I sold some books to buy the new Harry Potter, and Eclipse when it comes out on August 7th. Ironic for a bibliophile to resort to selling books to buy new ones, but no job makes certain sacrifices necessary.

Yesterday at church, I patiently listened to a young woman complain about her difficult life. She was bemoaning her job, even though it is steady and has benefits. She was complaining about her new husband(she is 20, he is 22), and groaning about her little apartment. I listened, trying to sympathize, but I failed to find the words to comfort, which I promise was my intent. Despite her narrow view of things, I truly wanted her to be happy, and I saw all the makings of true joy, if she would only open her eyes and see them. It hurt my heart to see her so discontent.

Perhaps I am simple, or at least simply pleased. I have travelled the world, known truly amazing people, but recently my life has taken on a simplicity that makes me view the world differently. I miss my travels. I miss the smell of London, the sounds of Vienna, the tastes of Budapest, but when I think of all of these travels the things that I miss the most are the simple things: Hungarian apple juice, fish and chips in Whitby, apple streudel, the sunrise over the Firth of Forth, Sunset in Dover, night in Eger with a cup of hot chocolate, and my friends, their laughter, their joy, their company.

And I realize that I haven't lost any of that. What a gift is memory, and how blessed I am that I still retain the friendships that made those moments so fantastic. Seeing the look in Robin's eyes when we walked into the National Gallery, sharing her first trip to the UK; Roger skipping through Sterling Castle or staying up all night talking about God, life, the world; Adam's despondancy, and his gleefully midnight trip to Heroes Square, Sirok by day, good food, great company; Becky's "see thee the trees", my constant and wonderful travel buddy.

This week I spent time with these four people. Despite awkward history with some of them I enjoyed the comfort of old friendships, and for a few minutes I remembered how kind the universe can be. I know great gifted people, and my little trials are far overshadowed by the joy of their company.