...lost for words...

If everyone is different, and everyone experiences situations through a different life perspective, can we truly discern another's heart, feelings or motives regarding any topic?

Today's adventure was time spent with the Wehrles. Some people might wonder if that's actually an adventure. I would say that you don't know the Wehrles. Their friendship is a welcomed respite in a ruptured world. We are so thankful that, though they have crossed into a new stage of life, “the baby stage,” they still choose to spend time with their kid-less friends. It seems silly, but it matters. A lot. And John and Megan are people that know how to live an adventurous life, which makes being around them all that much more fun. They inspire and encourage me to keep living my own adventures each day.

Megan crushing us all at #Qwirkle

As we introduced them to Qwirkle, our conversation topics flew about the room like rolls at Lambert's! (Some of you won't get that. Come to Missouri! We'd love to introduce you to the “home of the tossed roll!”) Some discussions were about past experiences, others were about future adventures, and still others were about current heartaches. And as we chatted, I began to recognize a few of their traits that have become so meaningful to me.

One, it's never seemed that they thought they had the market cornered on our hearts. They recognize that our experiences are singular to us, and they're careful to listen to those experiences as seen through our eyes. Two, they don't try to fix us, they only try to love us. When something sucks, it's just nice to hear someone else say that it sucks. Three, they remain hopeful for us. It's important to be reminded of hope, especially when you want to give up hoping.

We are all flailing through a world of messy relationships, sometimes knowing what to say and do in any given moment or situation, other times stumbling through typical phrases and verses in an attempt to offer some form of comfort. We are so desperate to love our hurting friend, we forget that sometimes quietly standing beside them is what they truly need. More often than not, I am the one searching for the right words. I'm sure that I have hurt many dear friends due to my desperate need to speak into the silence. I'm blessed to know people, like the Wehrles, who can show me what love can look like in difficult situations.

I need to be reminded that those “lost for words” moments may actually be a gift.