greater purposes OT

[Clyde Hollinger]

List,
        The subject of building friendships has been an important one in my mind
for decades.  I am currently reading a book titled "Bonds of Iron:  Forging Last
Male Relationships."  The very first paragraph of the Foreward states:  "The
facts are clear:  millions of men are friendless.  Many of these men are highly
successful in their careers, leaders in their communities and churches, well
respected, and even admired.  But the fact remains that there is no other man
with whom they feel comfortable to share their fears and weaknesses, hopes and
dreams, triumphs and failures."
        Last Friday I got "Mr. Holland's Opus" from the public library.  This
time my focus was pulled toward the decades long friendship offered to the music
teacher by the coach.  One of my goals is that when my life is in the sunset
years I will have friendships that go back thirty, forty, fifty years and more.
I know there are some who say they don't need anybody, but that's not me.
        Just two more short thoughts.  If we keep our antennae up, we may be able
to take the first step in reaching out to others, not only waiting until they
reach out to us.  And, I certainly believe in "greater purposes."

Regards, Clyde

ANRPiano@AOL.COM wrote:

> I have two friends, one I have known for at least 12 years the other only 1
> year.  Both ask often if they can come and work in my shop.  The latter is
> going through a very difficult time in his marriage, the marriage is not
> likely to last.  Every couple of weeks he calls up and asks if I have
> anything for him to do.  He plays the piano well, but knows absolutely
> nothing about piano tech.  Since I have several ongoing, extensive rebuilding
> jobs going at any one time it is no problem finding some low skill job for
> him to do.  I find work near by because I know the reason he is here.  Our
> conversations run the gamut from philosophy of art to if it is possible to
> forgive his wife and where that forgiveness will come from.  At the end of
> the day he has done productive work and I offer to pay him but he flat out
> refuses.
>
> This is terribly humbling for me but I am reminded sometimes there are
> greater purposes and whether the agraffes are lined up right or the bridge
> pins driven in far enough just doesn't really matter all that much after all.
>
> Andrew Remillard