40th High School Reunion

Yesterday I received in the mail two CDs containing pictures taken at my high school reunion. We celebrated 40 years last summer and I had not been back since our 10 year reunion. I was blessed to be able to go with my best friend, Sherry. She and I had not seen each other or communicated in over 30 years so it was doubly sweet.

As I looked through the pictures a flood of memories returned. I thought about what things were like back in 1968. How I did not fit into any one group but had friends throughout all the cliques. I thought about how angry, rebellious and sarcastic I was then. I never did try to develop relationships other than my friend, Sherry. No boys ever asked me out. I saw myself on the fringe always.

Than I thought about our 10 year reunion. I went with a huge chip on my shoulder. My sole motivation in going was to show them what they missed. I rejoiced at how the "popular kids" had let themselves go and how the nerds and the outcasts had come into their own. I behaved badly and did not care.

Yesterday as I looked at over 400 pictures from the reunion, I realized that age is a great equalizer. Every one of us had changed dramatically over 40 years. We all have drooping skin, yellowing teeth and graying hair. I looked at the lined faces and saw the pain that comes from living life badly. I also saw the joy and grace in life lived well. No longer can I discern the "popular kids" from the rest of us. I see the result of choice in those pictures. I wonder how differently might things have been had I opened my heart to them. No longer do I live with regrets but I do love how I choose to be in relationships now. As I put away the pictures I quietly prayed that they may come to know peace in this season of their lives.