A few weeks ago it was my turn. I went out with a friend who listens like she means it. I had been storing up my turmoil to spill in her lap. The concerns that had been stockpiling in the foyer of my brain felt unwieldy, like trying to carry an erupting four year old from a birthday party before the cake is served. I fully expected it to take serious time to convey it all. But in a scant five minutes I was done. Perched on the table, outside of my head instead of crowded inside it, the vexations were pathetically small. Our tea had not yet had time to cool. Was that all it took to clear my mind?

 

Today after church John was standing with someone I did not know. The man was effusive in his appreciation for the conversation. He shook both of our hands and thanked John for the strong connection. He said it had been a long time since he had felt so understood.