Love
Loving Friendships–Our Greatest Treasure
If loving friendships are the greatest treasure in life, then I feel like the richest man in the world
On September 17 and 18, nearly two hundred of the 1971 graduating class of South Kitsap High School attended our 50th Golden Reunion over two days of activities in Port Orchard, Washington. It was one of the most demanding weeks of my life (mentally and physically–we’re all getting older), and one of the most rewarding on a relational level.
We label “once-in-a-lifetime events” golden because of their scarcity, unique value, and the sense of stability and security they bring to our lives–just like gold or precious metals.
This one was golden in every way because of the depths of love and affection for one another.
Loving friendships–forever–is our greatest treasure.
There’s Nothing Offensive About Loving Your Country
This weekend I’m helping to coordinate the South Kitsap Class of 1971 Golden Reunion in Port Orchard, Washington. One hundred and thirty-five classmates and friends will enjoy a touching and hilarious program at the main event which ends with us singing our school Alma Mater. The final slide will say “We Love you” and the concluding song is James Taylor’s “You Got a Friend.”
It’s normal to love your family, school, classmates, nation and beyond–if you’re a caring human being. But across the water in Sammamish, Washington, love of nation is being viewed as offensive.
That’s just plainly demonic.
There’s nothing wrong about loving your country.
Before I Leave This Earth
Two men I admire died recently and neither left this earth on their own terms. Floyd McClung, Jr. was a gentle giant who taught our mission to love the unlovely and personally helped me with a book on leadership. Dave Frederick was a long-time friend who set a marvelous example of caring for at-risk kids and the homeless.
Floyd contracted a disease in Africa that left him unable to communicate and care for himself the last five years of his life. Dave died of hereditary cancer that took the life of his dad at forty-eight, and him, after a lengthy battle, at sixty-six.
Neither ended his life on earth as desired. Few people do–and those who schedule it may have a problem in eternity. So, how should we live our final days if given the chance to chart it?
Here are my thoughts before I leave this earth.