Today, I spent most of my time at the ball fields.  Watching those Ohio Cardinals Softball Team win three great games.

But there were a lot of different people there.  We converged on that same place.  And it made me think about all the people in the world who I will never meet… or even know of.

Of course, that, in turn, makes me feel very blessed and fortunate to have the friends I have.  I haven’t seen many of these fine folks in a while.  We mostly gather for these ball tournaments, and such.   But every time, it is like we fall right back comfortably…. where we left off.

And would’t you know.  This silly brain of mine…. saw a few things today…. which remind me of my friends.

First I saw a pile of peanut shells.   Now those…. are the nuts.  Yes.  The ones who are just a little one the goofy side, smiling, joking, and having fun.  They come out of their shells pretty easily.  They can be salty.  Some can be tough to crack.  But those nuts are good nuts.  I am glad for them.

While at the diamonds, I took notice of how the fence was put together.  This reminds me of friends who are like the anchors and the hardware… that hold the world together.  They are strong, and tried and true.  Our friendships fit together, just like the threads that match up between a bolt and a nut.  I am especially glad for them too.

Finally… I walked by a lot of trees today.  And there are friends which are a little like pine cones.  Mostly, they are sitting quietly, in the waiting.  They are always sturdy, natural, and as down to earth as can be.  Each one incredibly unique.  They have many, many layers…. each layer fitting perfectly together, to make the whole of the parts.   I am always so glad for them.  Just the site of them brings me joy.

Yes, no matter where I looked today, I was reminded of the great people in my life…. my friends.  I am so very glad for  all these friends.  No matter the who, the why , or the what of them.   For true friends can come in many different ways.  And I will forever hold them dearly in my heart….. for that always feels like the right way.

“Stay is a charming word in a friend’s vocabulary.”   —  Amos Bronson Alcott

“Can miles truly separate you from friends… If you want to be with someone you love, aren’t you already there?”   — Richard Bach