Yesterday when I was making lasagna during Alex’s nap, the phone rang, and it was our friend Benji, who said hey, what were we doing this weekend, because he and his family were thinking about packing up the car and heading to our house, you know, within the hour. And just so you know: they live about 400 miles away. In Louisiana.
After a little juggling of our weekend schedule, D. called him back and said, “COME ON.” So Benji, Brandie and their little boy left their house around 7 last night and got to our house about 1 o’clock this morning. They’re staying until Sunday. And we are tickled to death.
We are so happy to have them here, mainly because they’re some of our favorite people in the whole wide world. They’re the kind of friends who require no extensive cleaning-up, no putting on of make-up or “real” clothes until long after breakfast, no planning, no organizing, no adjusting.
But being with them does require talking, laughing, guffawing, kidding, needling, and XBox playing. And now that Alex is old enough to really play with P. – who refers to A. as “my cousin” – being together requires watching our boys have big fun together. So all in all, time with their family is just EASY. Laid-back. Fun.
You know, when I was younger and pictured my life in my 30’s, I thought that I’d be a person who did lots of “entertaining.” I thought I’d have dinner parties and use all my fine china on at least a weekly basis. I thought I’d invite over an eclectic cross-section of people to sample a creative array of appetizers. I pictured that I’d be able to chat with my guests about a wide range of topics, from theatre to photography to literature. That I’d know the difference between a pinot noir and a cabernet and a merlot. And that I’d care about those things.
But what I’ve realized, after marriage, and a kid, and a few years of being 30-something, is that while all that stuff is okay, and while for some folks it has its place, those things just aren’t meaningful to me. I can’t do life without genuine community and fellowship with other people. And the older I get, the more I want some substance behind the conversations, some intention behind the relationships, and some REAL beneath the surface.
I’m grateful that this weekend, without a doubt, will be the real deal: cooking out on the grill, chasing kids in the backyard, cleaning up the kitchen, watching some HGTV, laughing until our sides hurt, listening to each other’s stories, promising we’ll never tell some of them, staying up way too late for our own good, worshipping together on Sunday morning, and vowing – when it’s time for them to go home – that it won’t be so long before we get together again.
So I’m about to shut down the computer and hang out with our friends. I’ll cook dinner and “entertain” them – just as I imagined doing so many years ago – but we’ll be using the everyday dishes for the grown-ups and the Exclusive Elmo Collection (Plastic Edition) plates for the kids. And yes, we’ll have appetizers – a little sliced cheese, a few potato chips, some “party dip” that comes in a tub from the grocery store. Fancy. And we’ll cover a wide array of topics, all right: faith, marriage, parenting, TiVo, movies, and more. And though I still don’t know a thing about wine, I’ll be able to speak with authority on the differences between diet Coke, diet Pepsi and diet Dr. Pepper.
And I DO care. Deeply.
Because conversation trumps small talk. Because substance trumps flash. And because real life trumps dream world.
Every single time.
Pretty much the perfect definition of real life and real friends. Now stop talking and go play with your friends! We’ll all be right here when you get back. ;}
Enjoy your company!
See, I knew that you were “real.” Kind of like the Velveteen Rabbit of the blogger world.
;>)
You have a wonderful time with your friends! Take notes of everything you laugh about and eat and please share it all with us when they leave.
Forgot to tell you, love your new look.
What a blessing! Have fun!
I love that Melanie thinks you got all your fur loved/rubbed off. In a nice sort of way, of course.
Enjoy! Dont count a single calorie, dont look at the clock any more than you have to, then tell us all about all the great parts. xoxoxo
Have a great time with your friends!
Oh, how I can RELATE to this post….as a fellow Southern girl (I am FROM Alabama, you know)I am finaly reaching the plac ein my life where I have the courage to say, “I am glad I care about things deeper than that.” I am working on a post about this exact thing right now. Stay tuned.
YOu are making me miss the small town MS life I had growing up. It’s hard to transport that to greater Atlanta. Sounds lke great memories in the making and especially the fun in watching your son play with your friends son. Those moments are precious.
And all the people said…Amen.
Have a great weekend with your friends. Laugh lots, eat lots, play lots. And remember to take notes so you can write about all the funny things you did.
have a great time. those are the best kinds of friends to have.
I used to think all of those same things. I even have 2 sets of china that I NEVER use. (I’m obsessed with dishes…I have 8 sets. Don’t ask!) But, if you have china, it’s great to break it out (well, not literally)and treat yourself. I throw mine in the dishwasher (again, not literally) & it’s always been fine. Kinda’ makes everyone feel special sometimes.
Agree with you that there’s nothing better than good quality time spent with friends…either over a pizza or lobster. It’s all in “the company we keep”. enjoy…
You are gonna have a GREAT weekend. The best friends in the world are the kind that can say “Hey were were thinking about coming for a visit … tonight!”
Just sit back and take it all in!
Have fun. Can’t wait to hear your stories. You were my very first comment!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
No wonder you haven’t called me back!!! Have a blast and call me when they leave!!!!!!!!
That is so beautiful! I love it!!
Amen!
This reminds me of what I miss most. But today it made me smile because I do believe God will give us those people here as well.
Utter bliss! Enjoy!
You are so awesome! Real indeed. Have a great time and tell all on Monday!
Beautifully written. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for saying what many of us feel, but can’t quite articulate.