One of the comforting qualities of a good friend is that they seem to have an understanding of what we're going through without any prompting or "red alerts". 

 

As I watch the different Presidential candidates get bombarded with "gotcha" questions and daily insults ... I began reflecting ... I hope each one of them has a trusted friend they can relax with occasionally and maybe have some late night chats on the phone. Someone who helps them maintain perspective and provide a little levity through the grueling process.

 

I'll bet we are a far cry from understanding what these candidates are going through, or what it's really like to manage their aggressive staffs, stay energized and be prepared to react to something unexpected every day.

 

We were fortunate this past year to work with Linda Bloodworth -Thomason (of "Designing Women" fame) as our writer for "The First Wives Club" Musical. It is a known fact that she is a close friend of Hilary Clinton's. That must be a fascinating friendship right now. Linda is truly a bundle of joy. She has a big heart, a great sense of humor, and I am sure she is someone who understands Hilary well, and can commiserate with her in a special way.

 

To understand and be understood requires that we open up and reveal ourselves to others. That can be scary. But I think if we can find a person we trust, it is a really good thing. Those of us that get together each Friday for our small group Bible Study have learned this principle and we have grown close. We care about each other, listen patiently to each other. And, over a period of time, we have come to develop a healthy understanding of each other.

 

One of the things we have discovered together is how much God understands us. In Isaiah 40:28 we read "The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth, He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." Spending time quietly with God and the scriptures is teaching me about understanding myself as well as the importance of being forthright and understood by others. 

 

I'm looking forward to continuing down this path because I believe it brings people together, it teaches respect for each other, and allows us to celebrate our differences in a healthy way. 

 

With loads of understanding, 

Your friend ... Paul