Hammond, IN to Benton Harbor, MI

How fortunate that I was able to spend the entire day riding in the rain. I felt like Forest Gump in Vietnam, "One day it started raining, and it didn't quit for four months. We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin' rain... and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath. Shoot, it even rained at night..." The rain made for a slow day of biking (85 miles) but it allowed me to focus more and pray more.

Today I was reflecting on all the memories that have been shared in our conversation about Judi. Many of these come from the great times of our youth and from good times along the way. However, life is not always great or good. Sometimes it is bitter, frustrating, and painful. Fair-weathered friends seem to be available when thing are going well but everlasting friends are there for the good times and the not so good times. Friendships must include more than fun and games. We need each other when the chips are down: Empathy when we lose a loved one, compassion when we've made a mistake, forgiveness when we've wronged another, encouragement when we'd rather give up, and a open uncritical ear when we need to release. 

Being a person of significance is conditional on how well we love and are loved in return. It is about true friendship. May you build margin in your daily life to foster and nurture deeply significant friendships.