This past week I have reconnected with two of my good high school friends. In both cases it’s been a long time since we’ve talked or been connected in any significant way (aside from a few email discussions a few years back…about 18 years since we graduated). I must admit that I am terrible when it comes to staying connected with friends (and sometimes family) that aren’t close to me geographically (my issue not theirs).
So as I’ve been reconnecting with these two friends (who I was very close to in high school), my mind naturally has wandered back to the “good ol’ times”. In just a few short emails we’ve already started reminiscing and telling “remember when” stories. Some of the stories bring back good memories…some bring back not so good memories. But each one of those stories, and each one the people in the stories, has in one way or another shaped who I am today.
In some cases I have had overcome those “shapings”…as I was “mishappen” by those events and decisions that I made. In other cases I can say that the events, decisions, and people that made up my past have shaped me in a positive way (sometimes in ways they will never know).
Reminds me of the passage in Scripture that says ”God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). God has used my passed (the good and the bad) to shape me into His man for His purposes.
In any event, I look forward to connecting and reminiscing even more with two new/old friends. I’m sure I will even be able to make other connections. I for one love reliving the past…good, bad, or ugly. I generally can find the humor and good side of those experiences. And those experiences are uniquely mine. Even if some of them did involve large amounts of tequila at too young of an age (maybe that’s where those brain cells went!).
