The Etching of a Friend!

There are individuals in this world that get me, I mean really get me. When I ramble or complain or say nothing, they understand! When I’m around these individuals we tend to skip the surface of pleasantries and instantly go deep to the root. It’s rich, powerful, almost too much. This is a vulnerable place to be, having someone know you that deeply, but what a rich and intoxicating thing to have. To be wanted and valued…that your pains, hurts, joys, laughter, tears are all important. In the conversations you share you are changing the world because changes take place within you and the person you are with. My fear sometimes gets the better of me and I miss out on these precious moments.

It doesn’t take very long to etch out what true friendship is. It’s saying you are the most important thing to me right now, I’m making a Heaven memory right this moment with you. There is a choice to laugh, cry, curse, praise, to get to those hard to reach and painful layers, those soul moments where all is exposed, on the table, nothing hidden. This is a space where you are completely safe to be you, the most beautiful painting on the wall!

We all need to be needed. I have a friend who, when I call her or email her and ask her if she would like to do something, even though she if very busy, is always willing, excited even. I’m a value to her. She is a soul sister.

I have a friend who calls me up just to see how my day went or to find out if I’m alright. She loves me just for me. I can be myself around her. I can be a little obsessed or gush over a cute boy and we can laugh together. I can share my frustrations and she will feel my pain and defend me. I am loved by her.

I love to be pursued. Our hearts are made for that. God pursues us, woos us to a deep relationship with Him. I had a friend pursue me this last week. It is a rare thing indeed when this happens! (I wonder if I ever come off as unapproachable, I pray I never do!) She is a soul sister who loves me. She initiated and kept it up…wow! Three hours with her was like manna from Heaven, something you cannot store up, but something that tastes like nothing you have tasted, a completely satisfying meal.

True intimacy is a fruit producing time. This is something we need. I truly do not have the words to express what it feels like to be loved this way. It is such a calming and restorative thing…a great mystery. Luscious rain on parched ground…I’m richly nourished!

The etching of a friend is this…to be truly loved and wanted just for who you are!

I’m inspired by the Lyrics of Sara Groves song,”Every Minute”:

I am long on staying

I am slow to leave

Especially when it comes to you my friend

You have taught me slow down

And to prop up my feet

It's the fine art of being who I am

And I can't figure out

Why you want me around

I'm not the smartest person I have ever met

But somehow that doesn't matter

No it never really mattered to you at all

And at the risk of wearing out my welcome

At the risk of self-discovery

I'll take every moment

And every minute that you'll give me

And I can think of time when families all lived together

Four generations in one house

And the table was full of good food

And friends and neighbors

That's not how we like it now

Cause if you sit at home you're a loser

Couldn't you find anything better to do

Well no I couldn't think of one thing

I would rather waste my time on than sitting here with you

And at the risk of wearing out my welcome

At the risk of self-discovery

I'll take every moment

And every minute that you'll give me

And I wish all the people I love the most

Could gather in one place

And know each other and love each other well

And I wish we could all go camping

And lay beneath the stars

And have nothing to do and stories to tell

We'd sit around the campfire

And we'd make each other laugh remembering when

You're the first one I'm inviting

Always know that you're my friend

And at the risk of wearing out my welcome

At the risk of self-discovery

I'll take every moment And every minute that you'll give me

Every moment and every minute that you'll give me

Every moment and every minute that you'll give me

Every minute