A reason, a season, or a lifetime

Last week my son, Ben, and I flew to Nashville to see the Black Crowes concert at the Opry House in Nashville. 

Before the show started, I’m walking towards the restroom when a guy jumped in front of me and spread his arms out wide. 

WTF?

I’m not opposed to random hugs from strangers, but, you know, you gotta size ‘em up for a second. 

Make sure you’re not being assaulted, and that their personal hygiene is on point. 

However, this was no stranger.

This was one of my best friends in the world, Jeff Harris. 

Jeff and I were roommates back in the mid-90s when I was doing stand-up and he was playing guitar in a killer band called Traveling Sky. 

We saw tons of great shows together (including the Crowes) back then, turned each other onto all kinds of music, and had endless conversations about life on our raggedy old couch.

This dude is a part of my functioning DNA.

And, now here is, out of nowhere, standing before me with his arms open for a hug. 

What a gift!

Think about how many people in your life could pop out in front of you, on the way to a piss, and seeing them would fill you with pure joy!

Probably a short list. Especially compared to all the people you are forced to see regularly, but would prefer to avoid. 

A friend once said to me that people come into your life either for…

A reason, a season, or a lifetime. 

Pretty accurate, eh?

Some people you share a season with, like Jeff, are actually with you for a lifetime, even though you hardly ever see them or talk to them. 

Life gets busy and all. 

But, they’re always “with you,” and whenever you talk to them it’s as if no time has passed at all. 

So, whoever came to mind just now, why not surprise them with a call?

Life gets busy and all. 

Let’s not just hope we randomly see our “lifetime friends” again someday. 

If they bring you joy, fill them up with the joy of reconnecting with you.

The joy of true friendship is an “earned magic”…

Go spend some.