It's ALL About Relationship

I just returned from my 25th year reunion from East Stroudsburg High School (PA).  It's so hard to believe this much time has gone by, and I'm QUITE sure that when we were graduating, those having their 25th were much older.  (haha!!)

Obviously such a monumental occasion causes one to reflect on years past, childhood memories, laughter, challenges, and many wonderful people.  It was great to see old (not "OLD", just old as in "former") classmates, band friends, teammates, my two homeroom buddies whom I sat between from 7th grade on, kids I rode the bus with, kids I went to elementary school with....a friend since 2nd grade, a friend since 1st grade, a friend since 3 years old. 

Thinking back to the days when we were actually in school together (back when the worst thing that happened in a school day was someone putting a smoke bomb in the toilet or smoking in the bathroom) - we spoke about being friends forever.  We talked often about being friends for a lifetime.  What an AWESOME feeling to stand at Rudy's Tavern Friday evening and Shawnee Inn Saturday evening as one by one hugs were given out with great smiles followed by, "OH MY GOSH........it can't be 25 years, so good to see you!"......friendships renewed that had never lessened, never diminished and certainly had not faded.  It was childhood all over again, and it was FUN!!  It was fun back then, and it was fun this past weekend. 

Relationships really were intended to be for a lifetime.  Time and distance have no bearing on the heart - and years of absence can be made up in a split second in real relationships.  I, for one, will always enjoy being reunited with a friend....and am grateful to have them in so many places all over the globe. 

All of my life I have enjoyed real relationships.....the kind that don't need high maintenance.  The kind that can go years without anything more than a thought.....and then can come back together having grown even in the absence.  The kind that look for the best, see nothing but the good and push the other to greatness, while accepting them right where they are.  The kind in which there is freedom, there is depth, there is no pretense, and no expectation to be something they are not. 

As I consider how this relates to Ignite, I remember our May 2008 trip to Nicaragua when Rachel Harding said to me, "It doesn't matter who you are with....you make them feel like they are the center of your world."  That flashed through my mind as I stood in Rudy's and my friend Rob (since 7 years old) said, "You've always had a different character.....",  as my friend Monica said, "You're changing lives and making a difference...", as various others commented that "what you do" is inspiring.

Changing lives doesn't require a program or a speech.  It doesn't even require that one ever even talk specifically about it........it does require living it....and it does require relationship.  Relationship is what touches the heart and precipitates change in the life of another. 

For me, my life, and this great vision called Ignite International.....it's ALL about relationship!!