I am fortunate to have great friends in my life. Some I do not get to talk to very much. Time zones and life unending chaos combine to ensure that we only meet up once in awhile. Others are closer to home. One things that always remains true; their friendship endures and never fails. As another chapter in life begins to open, I catch myself thinking about each in the way each continues to influence my life.
There are threads that link the friends in my life.
Each cares about who I am more than what I do. They take time to remind me of my highest values and aspirations. They accept me as I am. In their attention to my heart and soul, in tangible and intangible ways, I know I am accepted and embraced in my weaknesses and my strengths.
Each enjoys the time we have, accepting that life often drags us in different directions. Said another way, when we are together it seems that we have never been apart. Conversation pick up where they left off, often starting from the heart out. There is a wonderful continuity and consistency to the experience.
Each is curious about the things that are important to me. In many cases, we have very different viewpoints. Because I know they care, I have a positive trust bias. In this bias, I find it natural to listen, sit quiet, and reflect before needing to respond. It is in the quietness and space of our relationship that I often find myself growing in ways I never imagined.
There is much more that I do not understand. When I read the Psalmist description, “You, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit,” (Psalm 86.15) I am reminded of the friends closest to my heart. To each and God, thank-you for caring and being the difference between despair and Hope, a living death and a life that gives hope, opportunity, and the chance to be part of awesome story. Hope lives.
