2 years and First Impressions

After much talk, several cancellations, and a somewhat difficult time of getting to know one another, we finally, after 2 years, had dinner with our old neighbors on the 15th.  For some reason, it has been one of the more difficult relationships we have had to start up and develop.  Our first impression along with several conversations following was that they were quite guarded and not that interested in knowing us. We have had many conversations with them, have brought goodies to their house, and N* has come to all three of my parties.  However, since having those parties, seeing her enthusiastic involvement, and having a few more conversations, we have since learned that they are anything but what are first impressions guided us in thinking.  It just took a bit more time and involvement to build the trust.  We had a wonderful time, chatted the whole evening, Josh-Pruitt found a Billy Joel buddy, and Sawyer absolutely loved being with them.  He didn't seem to want to say good-bye at 9:30 at night and reached out for H* to hold him one last time as we were getting onto the elevator!  What a joy this family is to us and we look forward to many more moments to come!  And clearly, from just a few things said, our prayers and relationship with this family is vital!  Perhaps impressions can sometimes be those types of "whispers" we hear from the enemy to keep us from being where we are supposed to be!

And this got me thinking of YOU.  Is there someone in your neighborhood, work place, social circle, or church group that you've known for perhaps 2 years (maybe more) that has left you feeling the same as we did?  First impression not so positive?  It's often those that appear one way-guarded-that have the biggest hearts, need the most love, and is the place He is sending you to go!  So friend...GO!