Out on the porch, early light filtering through mossy trees dripping last night’s rain, I relish the quiet, punctuated only by cheery birds. In the cool and natural beauty of the North Carolina mountains. My dear 40-year friends sit nearby, each of us communing with our Savior, and He with us. Wondrous thought!
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” “You crown the year with your bounty.” John 10:10; Psalm 65:11
Thank you for these women, for Your personal attention in each of our lives and the providence of Your entwining them together. Thank You for our straining together in growth, weeping together in grief, uniting together in prayer through many seasons. Thank you for the gift of picking up where we left off, of a safe place to admit weakness and fears and shame, of ‘I’ve-known-you-a-long-time’ insights, of unconditional love. That you for grace extended, generosity lavished, compassion poured out; for mutual support and kind agreeing to disagree, for stimulating conversation and shared laughter. “Blessed is the one you choose and bring near to dwell in your courts. You crown us with steadfast love and mercy and satisfy us with good.” (Psalm 65:4; 103:4-5)
“Bless the LORD, O my soul!” Loving God, may my friendship with You fill me to overflow in friendship with these sisters, my words be used for upbuilding, encouragement and consolation. Keep me esteeming well these invaluable treasures. (Psalm 103:1; 1 Corinthians 14:3)
As the rain and snow 