Treasure Hunting, Friends, & The Beauty of Relationships

 

We have had the privilege of seeing our friend Ted several weekends since we have been here. I have written about him on several occasions in the past. He and Johnny met on the river several years ago through our mutual friend, Roxe. The boys are always so excited when he arrives. He and JG often go on morning bike rides through the mountains when he visits.  

On this particular weekend, he came up a night early so that he could take the boys on a snorkeling treasure hunt before the river started running for the day. Ted has found Go Pros, sunglasses, river/survival knives, etc. on previous trips. He took Johnny scuba diving once and Johnny found a really nice river/survival knife.

On this trip, I came along as the photographer and gained an added title of chauffeur. Ted is leading us to our place of adventure--it is 8 a.m. and that water is COLD!

 We arrived at our destination and he is outlining the instructions of how they plan to scan the area!

And they are off!

I got to watch and take in the beautiful scenery on both sides of me. 

The first picture shows the guys holding their "loot" bag. Several cans, a shoe, a piece of hose and few other random pieces of trash. While there was no physical treasure worth keeping on this trip, the memories and experiences will last a lifetime. We are so thankful for Ted and his friendship.

Where did my baby go? After about 50 minutes, he decided he needed to come warm up! We finished the trip with a trip to Hardees for breakfast!

In addition to Ted, Evrette and Bode have been our most frequent MS visitors. On their last visit, we went over to North Carolina and all the guys took a trip down the Nantahala River.

 After the river journey, we got to spend some time with our friend, Blaze who is guiding there this summer. The boys got to spend some time playing in the suspended tree house/playground (the only one of its kind in the United States).

 Afterwards, we all enjoyed pizza outside overlooking the river! As you can see, the boys are getting closer to the man bun everyday!

As always, Johnny is his good looking self!

And to add to the excitement, our friends Darrell, April and Zowie Morris came and stayed a weekend with us. Zowie was able to hang in there all day Saturday on the river with John having adventures (which is an INCREDIBLE undertaking)!

And we also got to visit with our friends, Scott and Kara and their family from Indiana! The kids had a blast in the river and building forts in the woods!

I am so thankful that over the years God has helped me see the value of relationships. I learn more everyday of why Jesus stated that the greatest commandment was to love Him and love others.  The more I seek the face of God, the greater love I have for others.  

Don't get me wrong, I don't always get this relationship thing right, there are so many personalities, expectations, perceptions, and unspoken norms. It can be tough. And being in ministry often complicates it even more. For example, the pastor and his wife are never suppose to have their feelings hurt or avoid people or respond in ways that people do not like. However, those same people are allowed to voice all of their complaints, dissatisfactions, hurt feelings, avoid you, and place blame right at us as frequently as they like. 

Before I digress, my conclusion is this: relationships with other humans are important! I can't tell you the joy I feel when someone we know reaches out via a call, text, or visit. As a matter of fact a friend recently sent me some baby pictures of JG via messenger! How thoughtful of her--and how meaningful it was to me that she took the time to do so. Take the time to cherish others. Send a text, make a call, write a note... get to know that person in your office, do an act of service for the person that always helps you at that business, acknowledge those around you and be kind when others are mean... 

Be a light.  Never take for granted the things you do for others--even a dimly lit bulb can be of great benefit when in total darkness.

Live a Meaningul Life.