During the past two weeks I have received an injection of spiritual vitamins. I did not realize that I was in a state of chronic shortage, yet in hindsight it is all too clear. I needed to experience God’s touch, physically, emotionally, and mentally. The final touch came today as I continued a conversation with a friend. I have never quite lost our link, yet at the same time never quite remained in sync.
It is easy to say that “friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family,” (Proverbs 18.25) but it is another thing to actually experience what this is really like. Can people pick up where they left off? Do conversations continue with month or even year breaks? Does the definition of family often defy blood boundaries?
In my experience, and the recent past is living testimony, the answer is a resounding yes! Real family is not defined by blood lines, it transcends biology. Families are those relationships with two-way friendship, shared spiritual centers, and even more. What value can you place when someone confronts you with the questions that need to be asked; especially when it is does in a spirit of love and compassion? How can you ever repay the gift of mercy when everything cries out for justice? Is there a way to quantify genuine caring that comes without strings?
Each person I know has a story and a network of people that touch their lives. Spouses, kids, siblings, and parents often narrowly define family lines. I begin and end today with a sense that God gave us relationships so that we could begin to understand the link possible between the Divine and the soul. Many see this as purely intellect and knowledge. Real people, facing the joys and struggles of life have shown me that there is much more to God’s open arms than knowledge. God offers each the gifts of friendships, compassion, acceptance, mercy, and love. The bond and link between God and us is real, tangible. With our yes comes our sight.
