[Vision2020] Friends Like these

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (April 16, 2006) "Face the Nation" with Bob Schieffer -

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Friends Like These
By Bob Schieffer

For Christians and Jews, these are holy days and as each day of the week
passed, I was reminded just how diverse a country we have become. 

A friend begged off dinner at mid-week after realizing she had to work late
because she was the only person in the office not celebrating Passover.
Payback, really. Her colleagues had worked Christmas, but I know she
wouldn't think of it that way. Just a nice thing to do for friends. 

A Muslim friend called my wife to wish us a happy Easter. A small gesture,
but appreciated. After all, he was calling about our holiday, not his, but
it made me remember -- as the Muslims would say -- that we are all people of
the Book whose religious traditions evolve from the same God. 

A friend who has a mixed marriage told me about spending the middle of the
week teaching her kids to make Matzo balls and most of yesterday dying
Easter eggs. 

One day the children will sort out the details. For now they are learning
the traditions of two great religions. Another friend who is not so sure of
God still hides eggs for her kids who are teenagers. Not such a bad thing
either. 

Down through the ages, people have argued over the differences and details
of relgion. How much better it is when we respect the beliefs of others,
remember the common values that all religions share and try to emulate those
values in our daily lives. 

In ways large and small, my friends reminded me of that this week. I'm glad
I have friends like that.

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
sideways, chocolate in one hand, a drink in the other, body thoroughly used
up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO. What a ride!'"