June 10, 2019

This week I am traveling with an old friend to visit another old friend as well as some relatives.  The trip includes whale watching near San Juan Island and visiting the Seattle Aquarium plus indulging in the wonderful “eats” which distinguish this area.
              My thoughts turn to that term “old friend,” which at my age can mean both old in terms of age and old in terms of longevity in friendship. What treasures these people are in our lives! I hope that you have several people in your life who fill that role well – or relatives who do the same. They are a gift from God and should be appreciated that way.
              When we think about our Savior’s life, we know that Jesus depended upon friends, among them Mary, Martha and Lazarus whom He visited and rested with, finding with them some “down time” to refresh His soul as He went about His very demanding ministry. I mention Jesus in particular because even the Son of God needed friends and encouraged them to play that very strong part in His life.
              We live in times where often people are pushed toward not only self-indulgence but self-sufficiency, getting the idea that we have to “go it on our own” either through pride or through the isolation of depression and grief. Unfortunately, isolation and loneliness are the very opposite of Christian thinking.
              People need to be needed. So many times when we lean on someone, we are doing them a favor just as they are doing us a favor. The feeling of being able to help in any way alleviates the frustration of seeing someone struggle and feeling helpless. Do you realize the favor you do your friends and relatives when you simply ask them to pray for you?
              What happens when they help you in that way? They pray more – they communicate with their God more, and with that communication comes not only God’s answer to prayer for your sake but also strengthening of their faith and their relationship with their God. Prayer gives grace to all who are involved.
              God’s gift is that we do not go this way alone. We go with Jesus by our sides and friends all around, if only we recognize our need and their roles.  May you always be blessed in this way.