Circle of Friends

I've written about my St. James 2:24 posse; today I want to acknowledge another circle of friends, women with whom I can share my heart in an intimate way, the kind of friends you can "spill your guts" to without any question of their love or loyalty. We are there for one another; we've shared crises and joys, laughter and tears, prayers and spiritual journeys. My life would be far less rich without the blessing of these fine women.

Laura, Laurie and Celeste, whom I know from high school (Laura) and college (Laurie and Celeste). These women have known me for more than three decades. None live close to me, but I thank God for our wonderful phone calls. Laura and Laurie have both been roommates of mine at various times.

Eileen and the two Louises live close enough to see after a bit of a drive, and I'm thankful for the occasional visits that supplement emails and phone calls. These women have known me at least since my teenagers were toddlers. I'm so glad we've stayed in touch after our move.

We've lived in our current area about seven years, and the "now" friends that contribute to my life so much are Barbara, Anne, Marilyn and Linda.

Thank you, God, for Your love that has been showered upon me by these women. Thank you for what I learn about You through them. Thank you for their devotion to You and the gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon them. I pray that I may be granted the privilege of bringing You to them, even in small measure, as they've brought You to me in great measure. Please bless them mightily with the gift of being completely in the joy of Your will... always.

I have other wonderful women friends who are unnamed, some with whom I've lost contact but hold dear in my heart, some with whom I have a casual friendship, and some with whom a deeper friendship may develop. There are also those with whom I share a very close friendship, but the "everydayness" of it is no longer present. I thank God no less for all of them; the gift of their friendship enriches my life, as well.

"...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24b)

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)

Heaven rejoiced on Friday, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. And so did I.

Two hearts were joined in reconciliation. Two souls were united in understanding. Two hands were offered in forgiveness. Two voices were joined in prayer. Healing of a relationship occurred before the Blessed Sacrament in a quiet church that day. God's love trumped Satan's shenanigans and mighty things happened in the spiritual realm.

I can't think of a better way to celebrate the day dedicated to the heart of Christ than to join in its chief purpose, can you?

"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18)

A Particularly Fine Jewel

Today something precious was lost to me. I understand the reasons why; even so, there is a great weight in my heart.

And yet there is an abiding peace inside. I know that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) Within me there appears to be room for both sadness and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

This evening as I was preparing my family's dinner, a soft breeze wafted in from the open kitchen window and gently touched my skin, and after dinner, the clouds wore late sunset colors of pale pinks. The biggest oak tree is still outside, a guardian in our yard, as though protecting his smaller brothers. Crickets chirp, their methodical rhythm occasionally mixing with the faint ring of wind chimes. All these things bring assurance. They keep me connected with our Creator and help me know that the world is still running under His command. Our God's great love permeates all circumstances and this is no exception. I willingly submit myself to the refiner's fire and the loving hands of the potter.

This particularly fine jewel has my deep respect, now more than ever.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

Seeking God Together

When I was 14, I spent a very lonely six months in a new school 3,000 miles away from my home. The circumstances as to why I was there shall remain unexplained, but suffice it to say that when I got home, seeing my friends again was a great joy. After that experience, I made a vow to myself: I would do everything within my power to surround myself with friends, lots of them, wherever I happened to be. It was just too painful to be as alone as I was during those months.

CS Lewis said: "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

I love the thought that friendship, like philosophy and art, gives great beauty and meaning to life; with that I do agree. However, for me, friendship is one of the great necessities of life. It IS about survival.

I believe God created us with an innate desire for connection. It's what causes us to seek Him and to seek out relationships with one another. On the grand continuum of our varying needs for intimacy, I'm guessing I would land deep on the far side of "yes." I love sharing my heart with others and hearing what's within theirs. It's one of my great joys in life.

Thankfully, in all the years since age 14, I've not had to live my life without friends. I am thankful for each one; some have followed me through the years... and some are just beginning to walk the path next to me. I love each friend, old and new, and the ones who point me to the heart of God are the jewels in the crown. I treasure them most of all.

Thank you, each one of you, for sharing the journey with me.