I think of my friends as angels. Living, walking, talking, keeping-me-straight angels. I don’t deserve them, but that is what makes them special.
This weekend I walked to the beach thinking about Psalm 23 and still waters restoring my soul. I usually think of it for funerals, but I realized that it’s also about hope and maybe about friends. He is my shepherd, making certain that I shall not want- especially for friends. God sends… An adventurous friend who travels with me across green pastures, down dusty roads, and through twisted jungles. A calm friend who invites me to relax on a beach, by a lake, near a river, or wherever still waters call. He sends... A gentle friend who reminds me when I should rest and restore my soul-to heal what is cracked, to nurture what is bruised, and to mend what is splintered. A nurturing friend who wants to see my confidence renewed so that I will live a life worthy of the mom-wife-daughter-sister-teacher and goose calling that I have received. God leads me on a pretty interesting path, but I don’t walk it alone. I’ve got a guardian friend who corrects my vision when I see only one way where many good roads are marked. I hate shadows that linger but if you live long enough, you will find yourself walking through a valley of them. I’m not alone. His timing is perfect and He sends… My loquacious friend who answers the phone when I call. My homebody friend who is there to open a door when I knock. My wise friend who listens compassionately, giving little advice and lots of love. My stylish friend who is clothed in strength and dignity, laughing at days to come. This is the friend who will cry with me and then tell me when to stop. Who tells me to get it together and dress it up because I have things to do and place to be. This is usually the friend with gum or mints. All of these friends know how to tease me and a few even remember my childhood nickname. God makes certain that I will have a friend by me to withstand evil in this world. I have friends who pray with me, by me, or for me in English, French, or Spanish. I love that God speaks more than one language. When I forget that His rod and staff comfort me, He sends… A fearless friend who will comfort me against my worries, defending me with a metaphorical baseball bat. A bold friend who gives me strength in numbers to fight battles before me or celebrate victories- like a wedding during Covid. A dynamic friend who cheers me on with a hug, text, note, wave, or look that says I’m with you, no worries- you’re not alone. I love a cheerleader friend. God knows I need a friend who will share the table He prepared before me. He sends… A skinny friend with chocolate candy or chocolate dessert or chocolate trail mix - anything with chocolate. My crazy-like-me friend who shares a really long conversation over cup of coffee. In pajamas. On a porch. My coworker friend who bakes homemade cinnamon rolls just when I need it the most. Sometimes it’s banana bread with chocolate chips. These are simple acts of kindness. I will not want for a friend in the presence of my enemies. A tough friend is constantly prepared to drive a getaway car, zip line over cliffs with me, or drag me away from useless fights. My Thelma or Louise, Ouiser or Clairee, Truuvy or Jennifer. My outspoken friend will remind me I AM strong enough and knows when to rally all our other friends. And there’s my brutally honest friend who tells me my outfit is a disaster and I should go change. (OK- this is Ella.) I do not want my head anointed with oil, but David covered his sheep in oil to keep parasites away. Likewise, I have friends who anoint me with essential oils to keep me from trouble. They sprinkle me with lavender or lemongrass to calm me, so I will not say something I might later regret. I will not want for a friend... Who colors my hair in her bathroom. Who waits with me in the doctor’s office. Who reminds me of details, deadlines, and dates I always forget. We go shopping. We wet our pants laughing at stupid things. We also in sneak packages so Bob won’t know when I spend too much. My cup runs over. I send up a grateful thank you because I adore my angels who remind me to be this good friend to someone else. I learn how to forgive because my gracious friends forgive me when I screw up. They are the face of God when they show me mercy. I’m grateful for friends who have loved my kids, me, and Bob. God sends an angel friend who reminds me that His love never fails. My live-wire friend shows up and shows out. We plan and we scheme. We use our powers for good. I swear. This friend also knows THAT other friend who will celebrate anything at any time, dancing and singing out loud to our favorite 80s song. There’s always that sweet angel who remembers every single time I made a complete idiot of myself. I shall never want for a friend who leaves a light on for me, for a friend whose light leads me forward or guides me back. God is my shepherd. I shall not want for a friend.
3 Comments
Dinah
10/12/2020 08:10:56 am
Friends are the best. They hold my hand, they laugh with me, they cry with me. I know they are always there.
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Ashley
10/13/2020 03:57:09 am
It’s just better in pajamas. No makeup. No pretenses. Just real... just REAL friendship. 😘
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JoAnna Arnold
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