I have several friends who have stood the test of time. While there are days where I wonder why, in unique ways all their own, each has been present when things were tough, celebrated with and for me when things were good, and called me out when I needed to take a fresh look at the present and future.
To each, thank-you from every part of my being. From my heart to my head and everything in between, I am better because of you. Using the excuses of distance, busyness, and chaos, I know I do not say how much different your relationship makes, the hope and energy that comes with and from it, and how much I have come to depend on it.
Even as I do a little dance of celebration, I find myself wanting to acknowledge the obvious.
Everyone can use a hand. It is good to be strong, but one is never strong enough to endure, survive, and win all the time. Knowing there is someone willing to help, even when I do not have the courage or strength to ask, is an injection of courage. There are times when I seem to reject your extended hand. Please continue to ignore my arrogance. With you, I am stronger.
With your eyes, I can see more. When I realize how much I cannot see, blind spots as well my intentional unwillingness to see and acknowledge reality, your vision brings light to my darkness. With your proactive way of sharing what you see and I am ignoring, I am brought, dare I say dragged, into the present. I know I often resist. Be assured of my enduring appreciation for your willingness to see.
Working, walking, celebrating, and just being together is good. It does not matter what we do, just that we do it. Even as I think about it I find myself whispering a psalm; “Hallelujah! Thank God! And why? Because he’s good, because his love lasts.” (Psalm 106.1)
Life is full of beauty, hope, opportunity, and community; each a reason to celebrate.
