“I’m thanking you, God, out loud in the streets, singing your praises in town and country. The deeper your love, the higher it goes, every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.’” Psalm 57.9,10
Saying goodbye to old friends is never easy, especially when they are on the north side of 80. We both know there is a strong chance that we will never see each other again. We understand how fragile life is for both of us. This week they touched me in new ways. They expressed their concern for how I am and the journey I walk. Their interest in how God is treating me came as a surprise and my response encouraged their own walks.
Their conversation is a model for all of us. Seek out friends and discover their journey. Take the time to listen to their walk described in their own words. Express your desires, hopes, and dreams for their life. If they ask, share your own journey. Talk about your hope with an emphasis on the ways you see God working. Acknowledge the problems and difficulties but do not focus on them. Share the hope you find in God as part of the inside you.
I walked away from the conversations encouraged, full of hope, and energized. I took away memories of love and acceptance. I find myself thanking God, talking about the experiences, wanting to share the things I found with anyone who will listen.
I am beginning to understand how this experience can be every person’s experience every day. I know it sounds odd, but if we become the source of hope and inspiration for others, their new energy will flow back to us as a gift from God. God is interested in the details of our life. God works constantly to let us know how special we are to him. We frequently do not even try to understand. God knows that and works even harder to overcome our failings. So, to echo a clich?, are we willing to become part of the solution?
It’s always our choice.
