The Power of Friendship

Today we had some free time at the Montreat Christian Education conference, so my friend Guy took me on a ride to Mount Mitchell, the highest spot east of the Mississippi. Guy and I have been friends since our first day of seminary, almost 24 years ago. We have been ushers at one another's weddings, companions in joy and grief, and constant conversationalists about everything from the Atlanta Braves to church work.

There's no quick way to get to Mount Mitchell, although Guy has been known to drive like a bat out of hell. Today we have a lot of time on our hands, so we amble up the Blue Ridge Parkway and take in sights like this. Few cameras can catch the grandeur of the mountains, although I'm getting plenty of good pictures. It's great to have some uninterrupted time to talk and laugh.

This is my first time on this stretch of highway, which has to be one of the prettiest in the world. There are mountains and valleys at every turn - and a lot of turns. The occasional tunnel slows us down even more.

A trip to the snack bar provides an instant reminder that I am in Moonpie Territory. And if that wasn't obvious, there's that bumper sticker on the truck in the Mount Mitchell parking lot.








The vistas are gorgeous, and it's hard to get a bad picture of the mountains. We lose all track of time, arrive back an hour and a half later than we imagined, and had to rush around to meet our evening obligations. Oh well: boys will be boys.

But as beautiful as these mountains are, they are merely the backdrop to the more important work of conversation. A good friend is rare, and I am blessed by all the time enjoyed with Guy and his family.

It has been an unexpected blessing. As I gaze off into the distance, I offer a prayer of thanks to God, who has given me a good company of friends.