Grace to you and peace.

Many of you know that I am a quilter but you may not know that I have entered the art world with my quilts.  That means I have had some of my quilted wall hangings on exhibit in local art galleries.  My husband (Ferman) and I even did a duo show in Spencer IA - his photos, my quilts.  My husband, as an art major, is familiar with this world but it is a new experience for me to be invited not only to display my work but also talk about it at receptions.  I mention all of this to segue into a blessing we have received through these opportunities.  We have reconnected with some old friends who are also part of the art world.

One of them, Joel, we have known at various stages of our lives.  First, he was head resident in the dorm where Ferman lived.  Later, they ended up working on the grounds crew at the same college.  After that, we returned to Gustavus as head residents and Joel was still supervising the same dorm where Ferman met him.  Just this past weekend, we hosted Joel and his wife at our home since Joel has an exhibition at the art center in Jackson.  As we sat and talked that evening I pondered how our status had changed from supervisor/student, to co-workers, to friends over the last 40+ years.

I remember a song from Girl Scouts - “Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold.”  Nowhere is it explained which is silver and which is gold but both represent blessings.  Over our lifetimes, we are all blessed with friendships.  If you’ve moved often, like I have, those friends come and go, blessing us for just a little while.  I think though, it is gold when you keep those friends for a lifetime or are able to pick up where you left off many years later.

Community is one of the greatest blessings God has given us.  God recognized almost immediately that it was not good for Adam to be the only human on earth.  Thus, God created Eve and then a family.  From the beginning of human time we were meant to be in relationship with other human beings, both friends and family.  I encourage you this Thanksgiving season to set aside any differences you have and reunite with family and friends.  Silver and gold both represent things that are precious. The same with family and friends.

God bless you as you give thanks for all of God’s gifts.

Pastor Eunice