Life is never so happy

In the last month, I have had quite a round of visitors.  It Is like everyone is coming all at once.  This busy season has made me reflect on friends and I come to the conclusion that being with good friends is the closest experience we have of being in heaven.

Now who are these two?  Yes, they are from my flock of visitors.  Both are American, great characters and so in touch with a healthy spirituality.  They are the sort of people who reaffirm your confidence in humanity.  They have been a breath of fresh air in my life.  They have listened to me and I have listened to them.  We have talked about the good, the bad and the ugly, and it has all been good. 

Meet Fr Bob.  He is the guy on the left.  He is the 72 year old Catholic priest with a pony tail and just has a full tank of energy for life.  He was a chaplain for 15 years in a maximum security prison and then retired because it was what he needed to do in life.  He has not given up living or ministry at all.  He just keeps on keeping on, remaining faithful to his philosophy of a sabbatical every seven years.  So he got his round the world ticket and Bangkok here he was.  Being with him showed me life with different glasses, glasses that looked at life in a deeper and more appreciative way. 

I have found my friends being here to be life-givng and healing.  Bob is but a classic example of what they have done for me and been with me while here for such a short time.  They naturally remind me of a classic song.

"Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for".