Tag Archives: friends

You should be able to see right through me

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Transparent, candid, forthright, frank, open, unambiguous, obvious, understandable, out in the open…

I think of myself as pretty transparent, even though the only one who completely sees through me is God.  I believe in being vulnerable and honest, what I’d like for people to be with me.  Many friends and some strangers who have read my blog posts over the years have told me the reason they like to read them is because they can relate to what I’m saying, to some struggle I’m describing, or some flaw I’m bemoaning.  It’s a connecting point for people to feel someone else has been in their shoes, is questioning something, or is having problems – they’re not alone.

Opening up is risky.  One time I was venting some frustrations (and probably held grudges if I’m really being honest) about a congregation where we served and some of the people who caused trouble there.  I was a little too free with my thoughts and emotions because I offended someone who had once attended there.  They saw my blog (oops) and let me know.  Humbling to say the least!  Perhaps there are some feelings or thoughts that are better spilled out only into God’s hands.

I think there are varying levels of transparency, depending on the situation and the people involved.  I can be completely transparent with my sister, my mom, and a close friend or two and know they won’t judge me but will listen and love me no matter what.  That’s a blessing!  I don’t suppose everyone has people like that they can trust.

What keeps us from opening up?  Continue reading →

A Changin’

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In the words of my daughter Kaitlin this evening, after we attended camp meeting and I only saw two people I know (!) “Mom, times, they are a changin’ “.  What a true statement.   It’s especially true for me as a mom of three teenagers.

Mimi and girls

It used to be that wherever I went during the day or on the weekends, all three girls piled into the car or van with me, we’d listen to music, sing, laugh, be silly and pal around.  Nowadays they’re usually at work, busy, out with friends, texting friends and boyfriends, on a date, or otherwise occupied.  We have a lot fewer dinners around the table when everyone is present.  It used to always be the “Klotzfive” out on the town.  Now sometimes it’s the “Klotzfour” “Klotzthree” or…gasp…”Klotztwo” – me and John!  Today I went to the pool by myself and had to talk myself out of a pity party.   Continue reading →

A Great Day

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race-teamI was privileged to walk in the Komen Race for the Cure this past Saturday with one of my daughters and four friends.  What a great day!  Here are some things I loved about that day:

I love the energy created by a huge group of people gathered for a good cause.

I love the openness people feel when some barriers have been knocked down by common ground of suffering, disease, or struggle.  Complete strangers hugged me.  I felt I was friends with everyone there.

I love the optimism and joy that seems to radiate from everyone there – buoyed up by the notion that we can beat this!  We can make a difference.

I love my friends and my daughter for giving up a Saturday morning to walk with me and the other 42,000 people.

3233_86088558893_660523893_2475881_3308313_nI love the contagious sense of excitement as we made our way through the course set out for us.  At one point someone started the wave way up front and it traveled all the way through the throng to the back as we all shouted and cheered.

I love God for giving me another chance and sparing my life.

I love sunshine – it was a beautiful morning.

I love volunteers.  I was inspired by the amazing number of people that pulled it off – many of whom just volunteered.

It was a great reminder that a lot of good can be accomplished when many catch a vision.  It was a somber reminder that not everyone survives breast cancer and those of us who have need to be always grateful.  It was a great day!

When Love Hurts

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Is it worth it? Loving is investing, giving, receiving, risking… Is it worth it when you may not get to have the person you love in your life for good?

God has blessed me time and time again with a special friend, a mentor, a confidant, a fun & crazy partner in crime and then for some reason they leave, move away, or we part ways on this path. For instance, getting really close to someone, just starting to feel that wonderful closeness where they know you, you know them, and you like each other anyway. You feel comfortable with them, even when there’s nothing to say. You know they would be there no matter what and you can trust them.

nicecolourorigamirainwaterboat-50684c940f0d2264bb02f3f84ddf4319_h1In a way all of the people in my life are like a bunch of paper ships being set out on a creek. They float downstream together but then at times one or two may veer off and fall behind or even take a different course altogether. It’s just the way it is. Life is like a creek in that way. People come into our lives but they usually don’t stay there forever. Sometimes they “fall behind” as I keep floating along or the other way around and I’m watching them sail away from me into another future than mine. So…is it really worth investing in people and relationships when you know they’ll probably have to go sometime?

Recently I learned that two more dear friends of mine are going to be heading off in a different direction. As I mulled over the news on my way home from work I bemoaned the situation to God. Why? We are close and know each other well. Just when we’d gotten so comfortable with each other – like family – now they have to leave? I felt like God asked me, “Would you rather not have met them at all? Would you rather have missed out on knowing them – loving them?” “No,” I sulked. I get the point.

Love is worth it. My life is richer because of them. No matter the length of time that I get to sail along with someone, the time together is worth the risk, the investment and even the sadness when they sail on without me or I have to leave them behind.

So love.