Last Thursday I made a quick trip to Calgary. It is a 3 hour drive but hey, on the prairies, that’s how far we drive to get milk!

I went to meet up with my friend Doug, who was visiting his kids who live in Banff, but they are in Europe right now…yeah, I know, but who am I to question? At any rate he wanted to know if I would be in the area. He lives in Calgary. So I planned to meet up with him.

I picked a spot for lunch near Ambrose University, but truthfully had never been there. Twenty minutes before our meeting Doug called.

Doug: “Hey I’m at the restaurant. Have you ever been here? Me: Ah, no. Why? Doug: There’s no where to park in the area, the place is crawling with students and nearby parking is $6/hr. Me: Let’s go somewhere else.

Well Doug found a great area and a great spot and we had two great hours eating and enjoying the conversation.

Here’s what I noticed. There is a level of trust and openness in our conversations like I have with few others. Secondly, we understand each other. He’s a Baptist who planted and pastored that congregation through 40 years. He’s married, three kids that are spread out across many miles. He is energetic, curious, spiritual but not lofty. He loves the Lord and people.

Doug and I first met in Ottawa in 1996 and we seemed to stick to each other early. We’ve kept in touch down through the years and I would say of all the people in my life he rates highly in terms of being an influence on my thinking, my spirit and my soul. I always leave him feeling engaged and encouraged.

Friendship is a valuable thing. Good friendship is good for us. Great friends need to be treasured.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. – Proverbs 27:9