Revelations and Reminders from the Castle

I went to the Castle yesterday for continuing ed. I was able to hang around there after the event and visit with old friends. As I drove home, I mused about the trip.

1. Being with people who truly know you and love you anyway is good for the soul. Really good for the soul.
   
2. Along the same lines as #1, being with people who know you well enough to give you a hard time is refreshing.
3. Occasionally being able to be fully authentic and not worry so much about weighing your words or crafting a message is a necessary element of pastoral survival.
   
4. Oh, that's right, politics really are everywhere.
5. Laughter is the best medicine for all that ails.
6. Even an old friend can be full of surprises. I ordered a medium margarita at lunch that, to my surprise, was probably about 24-32 ounces. As we all got ready to leave the restaurant, I protested that I couldn't leave until the margarita was finished. Pastor Kindhearted picked up the margarita glass like a chalice, grabbed a napkin, and proceeded to "common cup" my drink around the table. I haven't laughed so hard in months.
7. I treasure my friends. I really treasure my friends. I didn't realize quite how lonely I am in Jerusalem with so little social life until I once again experienced a social environment. Along the same lines, I really treasure Rab who is perhaps my only close true friend in Jerusalem.