Dear Friends

Dear friends,

I just wanted to drop everyone a note to touch base and to let you all know that I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth! As some of you are aware, our family has had a challenging past couple of weeks. Maybe Old Man Winter would accept some of the blame and start packing his bags… he just isn’t as fun to be around as he used to be. ;)

Still, I am thankful for the time to ponder and renew my appreciation for life’s infinite blessings. Upon further reflection, I remind myself that life’s challenges are saturated with insights that can bring countless joys, which might not otherwise be realized. Even so, navigating life would hardly be worthwhile if not for meeting and sharing with the friends we meet along the way.

As I was contemplating this idea the other day, without really knowing why, I made an interesting connection. I was thinking about friendship, its function, importance, and how it fit into the design of life. Then it occurred to me…

Friends are like the members of a crew on a ship that has set sail on the ocean of life.

By ourselves, the awesome nature of the sea would quickly and effortlessly swallow us up without remorse. Together, however, we can build a mighty boat… and discover the world

Nonetheless, the powers of the sea are relentless. No matter the destination, or crew complement… from untold splendors to merciless storms… we are all collectively at the mercy of the sea. Therefore, it is quite necessary to depend on others as well as defend and preserve the wellbeing of those who depend on us. This interdependence is vital for a safe and successful voyage; one never knows what lurks in the fog of uncertainty.

Sometimes the fog is thick and the destination unclear. Yet, through unity, we can remain strong and steadfast. The courage that ensues is what impels the ship ever forward. Eventually… inevitably… a lighthouse will appear in the distance, reminding us that the fog will lift and the sun will reappear.

Additionally, though a captain leads the crew through vast unknowns, it is important to recognize the tremendous value of every crewmember—their unconditional loyalty to the ship, its captain, and each other. Without all of those things, the ship may as well have never set sail to begin with. Without the ship and the crew that command her… there is no journey… no discovery.

I just wanted all of you (shipmates) to know how thankful we are to be sailing on the ocean of life with you. All of your love and support has, and continues to, enrich our lives.

May the Sun shine on you today,