Right about now I feel like I’m really missing being among people…at live conferences, concerts, sporting events…you name it. While online “meetings” are okay and at least let us socialize to some degree, it’s not the same as being in person. I think the “pause” we’ve all experienced due to COVID-19 has gone on long enough and I truly pray for a cure. I miss my friends and colleagues. I was lucky enough to at least be able to attend one writers conference live in July. Maybe that’s causing my angst…I got a taste of what it felt like to be around people again and now I yearn for the camaraderie. I truly believe God put us on this earth to be among people, not to isolate but to help and support one another. I was reminded of this a few days ago listening to public speaker Dan Clark give the keynote address at the 2020 International Toastmasters Convention (alas, the convention too is online, but he was still fantastic). He said something that really struck me: “We become the average of the five people we associate with the most.” I consider myself fortunate to hang around some pretty great people. Still, it gave me pause…we need to choose our friends wisely. I further contemplated on the fact that Jesus didn’t go it alone in His ministry but chose a group of guys as disciples whom He came to call His trusted friends: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) I recently watched the Elton John movie “Rocketman” and it reminded me of one of my favorite songs he sings that I picked as a quote for my high school yearbook page that seems appropriate in these times. It’s called “Friends”: “I hope the day will be a lighter highway, as friends are found on every road; Can you ever think of any better way for the lost and weary traveler to go?” Bernie Taupin, who wrote the songs Elton sang and also seemed like a real true friend, also wrote another few lines I love in the song “Mona Lisa’s and Mad Hatters”: “Until you see this trash can dream come true, You stand at the edge while people run you through. And I thank the Lord there’s people out there like you, I thank the Lord there’s people out there like you.” Sometimes, especially in these times, it can feel like we’re all alone, struggling to make our dreams come true. And every once in a while a friend comes along to keep us going when we’re ready to give up. That is God working in our lives. |
| Thank you Lord for the friends I’ve found on my journey whom you’ve placed as shepherds along my path; help me also to be a good mentor and friend to others. |
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