I met Marian in the 4th grade. Her desk was next to mine. After 4th grade, I moved to a new house and a new school and we never attended the same school again. In some ways, going to separate schools eliminated all competition between us and we became one another’s keeper of secrets. In the summers, we were often inseparable – playing tennis, swimming, lake trips, camps and game-o-ramas that lasted for days. I moved north to Kansas City, and she moved south to San Antonio and the demands of kids and careers prevented us from staying in touch, though we still traveled to see each other for significant birthdays and family milestones. A few years ago, a serious and life-threatening cancer stopped her in her tracks. Last week I got to spend 24 hours with her in San Antonio. Her cancer had just recurred for the 3rd time, and she postponed the new chemo by one day so we could spend it eating, laughing, talking and playing. That visit filled up my soul like only a lifelong friendship can.

I left Marian’s and flew to Fort Worth to see my Mom and Dad, who are 87 and 88, respectively. I know that they are mere mortals, but I think they are two of the best parents on the planet. We talk often by phone, but being in person offers a different glimpse into reality. Is it the body language, the shared popcorn, the reminiscing about the same old story and laughing as if hearing it for the first time? Is it the hugs or simply sitting together in silence that forges a deeper connection? I don’t know. But it seemed like each of us came to life a bit more during that weekend visit.

The wonder of technology keeps us connected across the miles. Texts and emails and social media have a place in weaving together human lives. But there is something sacred about being with one another in the flesh. Incarnation is a fancy theological word that means “in the flesh.” We often use it in reference to Jesus, who was God’s word made flesh. God dreamed up this brilliant idea to convey the depth of God’s love for each of us. God sent a man to heal with the touch of a hand, to teach the beautiful and life-changing truth, and to sit at a table to break bread and pour wine. Jesus revealed God’s love in the flesh. Friends do that too. And family can too. It begins with seeing each other face to face.

Grace and Peace,
Carla