A long time ago (really???) my pastor friend, Pete, talked about the great overuse of the word "love". We just 'love' everything, from pizza to sunrises to new outfits. But do we actually love somethings in the same way as we do people? Or as much as God loves us? I'm going to say 'no' to that last question because I would guess giving my only Son into death for a pizza would never happen. Certainly there are different types of love, but I do so wish there was another word between 'like' and 'love'.
I am incredibly fond of my friend, Rita, who has only recently been up on two feet after a terrible health situation this summer. It happened while I was gone to WI and she filled me in when I got back. Today, as we left Bible study, we said 'good-bye' across the parking lot. Then I thought better of it and called to her, "I need to hug on you..." and she said, "You better!" Aw, I needed to give her such big hugs after what she has been through, and I was so glad to see her.
As we talked by our cars, she described her illness as the "July I almost died...". She feared she would end up in Hospice and said she was going to ask me to do a ladies' Bible study with Marilyn, Judy, and Suzanne at her home, while she waited...I said, "Yes!" before she finished her statement. I would certainly have done that, and will do that, if she ever needs me. She warmed my heart with this request, and we both had wet cheeks..I love Rita.
My friend, Kathy, who lives in my building, the lady who gave me her tear collection bottle, came over last night when I got back from church. I chose our new format mid-week service over Happy Hour which left Kathy with 'words leftover', as Justin would say. She sent me a text message asking if she could come up when I got home and I said yes. Then I called Justin to let him know she was coming, in case Kathy arrived before I did.
The other night Justin had the idea, after I got off the phone with someone, that I should put up a stand like Lucy in the Peanuts cartoon. He said I could charge 5 cents for advice...Nah, no charge for talking with me. Besides, I have unlimited talk time on my phone, and somewhat unlimited talk time at my table.
This late afternoon at the pool, she was talking about this beautifully sentimental song titled "Cinderella" so she sent me the link for it. This singer lost his little daughter in an accident, when the older brother drove down the driveway and hit her. Oh my!
I watched that link plus several others associated with this story. It blew me away, and touched my heart as I experienced many of those same feelings myself. Later, she sent me a message apologizing for sharing it with me, but I told her it was just fine, I didn't mind at all. She said, "That is why I thank God for allowing you to come into my life!" Yes, I love Kathy, and told her so.
When at the Racetrack Gas Station this a.m. getting my soda, one of the workers greeted me at the register, but did not wait on me. He said, "I love your hair!" I thanked him for that, and he said, "Now, don't break anyone else's heart today..." as it seems I broke his, somehow or another. Made me chuckle a bit...
Yesterday, out at the pool, I got a text message from Justin, encouraging me to host a dinner and movie night this weekend. He wants to make me a raspberry cream pie and knows I need someone to help me eat it. I love that kind of pie, and the boy who will make it for me! Two different kinds of love there, but you get what I mean.
