The misplaced art of visiting

This week, I was reminded of something that I've missed dearly... visiting. Did you ever do that? I remember when I was growing up, just about every weekend, my papaw and mamaw would take us "visiting". We even had visitors pop in at their house. We'd go see my aunts and uncles, my grandparents' best friends. Each one has left memories on my heart that I cherish deeply.

I remember very clearly their two sets of best friends (Doug + Lois & Olard + Louise). I can't tell you how many times we visited with these sweet people, only one of which is currently still living. They left a mark on my life that I will forever be grateful for.

Olard and Louise lived next door to my grandparents for some 30+ years. There is a creek that comes out of the hill. It runs between their two houses, under the highway, and on down into the river. I remember many times, Olard or papaw walking across that little hill and through the yard to visit with one another. Many cups of coffee were shared between the two on their front porches. Tools were loaned, listening ears were always there when needed, and vegetables from the garden shared. Mrs. Louise was the most creative person I ever met in my life. She was always making something or cooking up some sweet treats for us. I was little when she passed away, and I'll never forget the hole it left in my mamaw's heart to lose one of her two best friends. My mamaw and Mrs. Louise were two of a kind. Their laughter was infectious.

"Aunt Lois" and Doug kept me many times at their house. In fact, when my little sister was born, she was quite sick, and I got to spend almost a week at their house. I LOVED going to visit them with my grandparents. Lois would make me buttered toast for breakfast and ravioli for lunch. In between, we'd play with the dogs and go for walks. We'd hang laundry on the line, and talk about whatever was on my mind. As I look back, I realize that though we weren't' doing anything extravagant, they had quite an impact on my life. Lois encouraged me so many times and taught me that I could be anything I wanted to be. She taught me to dance, to be adventurous, to have manners, and though she never had to, I knew she had permission to give me a good whoopin' if I needed it. Doug was my buddy. He always had a caramel cream candy called cow-tails on had at all times for me. He'd give me the tightest hugs, and the sweetest kisses on my cheek. Many times, I'd tag along as he'd tinker in the garage with his car, and he'd tell me all he knew about cars. I never doubted that they loved me dearly, and I love them just the same.

See the thing about these relationships are that they were cultivated through simple visits. In today's world, people call it "hanging out" but back then it was just going for a visit. Back then, you didn't even call before you went, you just showed up and wherever you went the doors swung open and you were welcomed in with open arms, and food. I honestly cannot remember one single "fancy" visit. Most of the times, we were all in our t-shirts and jeans, or play clothes for us little ones. What sticks out in my mind was that we just spent time together... talking, laughing, sometimes crying, but mostly just living life together.

Why is it that we don't do more of it? In today's world, people are living life at lightning speed, but there's something to be savored in the simple, slow moments of life. As these memories flooded back to my mind, I am forever grateful for all the lessons I learned during our weekends "visiting." I hope I'm never too busy to give my kids that same experience. As a family, we've tried to be more intentional about spending time visiting. We've invited many people to our home in hopes of giving our family similar experiences.

So this week, I want to challenge you... call up a friend and tell them you'd like to have them over for a visit. Don't stress about the details - they don't care, I promise. Bake some cookies and just enjoy a break from life... and laugh a little. It's good for the soul.

Content in the chaos,

Kimberly