Interruuption

Written by cycleguy on January 17th, 2013

INTERRUPTIONS

The mere mention of the word can bring us to spastic or relief.

If we are on a roll-a good one- we see interruptions as a bane… momentum breakers.

If we are on a roll-a negative one- we see them as a blessing…a way to catch our breath.

I had what I will call a BLESSED INTERRUPTION this week.

It threw me out of my routine…big time.

It threw me for a loop time-wise.

It threw me for a loop (but not really all that much) financially.

It threw me for a loop blog-wise.  It is, in fact, why I am late getting this post…well, posted.

BUT IT WAS WORTH IT.

For over almost 40 years I we have defied odds.  We met in college when he drove onto campus the second semester in long hair, facial hair (we were allowed neither) and an AMC Javelin.   He was a transfer from  another college, one more progressive than this one.   He cut his hair.  He shaved his face.  He drove his Javelin.  And he became my friend.  We cruised in different circles while in college (except for the basketball team), but when we graduated and I became his dad’s Associate Pastor in the same town he began as a Youth Pastor, our friendship blossomed.  Time has aged our bodies, but it has honed our friendship. We still meet for lunch at Pizza Hut 4-5 times a year (it is 2:15 away from me); spend a couple of hours together mostly laughing, but also talking ministry; and keep our friendship alive.  I have been there for him when his father died unexpectedly and when his son was tragically killed in an accident on Super Bowl Sunday in 2006.

We have defied the odds because we have been best male friends for almost 40 years.  I love him like a brother and tell him.  I don’t think that compromises my ManCard.  🙂

This past Monday he celebrated his 61st birthday and on December 23rd had preached his last sermon as a full-time pastor.  Doug is retiring.  Vicki had a surprise party for him Tuesday night.  I was invited and took Jo with me.  It was a blessed interruption.   I could tell you stories that would have you laughing in spite of yourself.  We still laugh at the stuff we did and also wonder “how in the world?”  I had a chance to celebrate the life of a friend…interruption and all.  🙂   Now you know why I was unable to stay current with my previous post.  I apologize for that.

Do you have a friend you could go to and know he/she will be there?  Do you have one you can count on?  If so, don’t let them go.  And in return, be a friend.

And in a totally unrelated matter, and to bring some redemption to this post, this song has been ringing in my heart.  Enjoy.

 

23 Comments so far ↓

  1. Tami Grandi says:

    I have such fond memories of Doug (BTTF marathon…) anyway- glad you were able to go and get away! and you know I LOVE that song! I could listen to it over and over- looking forward to the rest of the album

    • cycleguy says:

      That was one of the things I talked about in my memory speech at the dinner. I will never forget those 2-3 days he and Adrian were visiting. 🙂 And yeah, I remember about the song.

  2. I do. My friend David. We worked together for 10 years and vented much church stuff over those years.

  3. I have been blessed by God to have several friends like yours…a company of men that have walked through storms, good times…life together. Glad you got to celebrate with your friend…what a blessing!

  4. Daniel says:

    I love the palpable joy that I find in your words. Good stuff. Quite a treasure this is.

  5. Susan says:

    When I was growing up we moved so often that my friendships never got to the deep part. But since we have been in Florida for going on 14 years, I do now have that sort of friend. I am so thankful for her godly perspective, and we encourage one another in the Lord when things get tough. We homeschooled together, and sometimes we sit beside a lake or river and watch the water go by. I’m a writer and she is an artist – we joke about doing some children’s books together – but maybe some day it will not be a joke. I’m so glad that God gives us love with skin on.

  6. floyd says:

    I’m blessed to have friends like that. I’ll use this as a reminder to reach out – it’s past time.

    It goes by pretty quickly, doesn’t it, Bill? …

  7. Arny says:

    I can’t say that i’ve ever had a friend like that…i did have really close friends in high school days but we grew apart. My wife is now my best friend. and I wouldn’t trade that for the universe.

    • cycleguy says:

      My wife is my best friend also but Doug is my best male friend. I wouldn’t trade my wife’s friendship for anything either, but I am going to go out on a limb and say a guy needs a guy to call friend also.

  8. tcavey says:

    It’s wonderful to have friends like that.

    I too have had multiple interruptions lately that have thrown me off schedule, especially in blogging. But I am finding peace and joy in going with the flow.

    God bless interruptions.

  9. Betty Draper says:

    God has been gracious to me and given me a good friend through the years of moving so much. My husband says I tend to form deep friendships and hold onto them. I am well aware of my need for good women friends, they keep me encouraged, help me be a good wife and make me laugh a lot. E-mails, facebook and skype are great for keeping in touch but nothing takes the place of a face to face visit. My husband says I am his best friend but I am glad he has reached out and has a man best friend too. It’s important to our growth to be able to let our guard down with someone who we trust. Good post brother.

  10. Lyn Smith says:

    I have several friends like that – precious treasures! Thanks for sharing your story. You are blessed.

  11. Debbie says:

    It blessed me just to hear you talk about your friend! So thankful you have each other and for friendships. I have an old friend, from grade school, who knows me best. She doesn’t live near by, but we stay as close as we can anyway!
    God bless you and yours!

  12. I have a lot of good friends, but I think only time will tell if they turn out to be as close as you two are. Reading your story brought a smile to my face 🙂