Making
new friends is like starting a new adventure. If we can be our real selves, and
we find we’re safe in that, what a journey’s started!
Now,
friendship takes on many different nuances in life. Sometimes we are granted friendship from the
least expected source. God surprises us,
and our hearts are kindled with joy.
***
I found myself
invited to two birthday parties on a recent day off. As my wife was off working, my two-year-old
son and I set off. The first event was a
30th birthday breakfast at a swish café for best friends I’d married
less than twelve months earlier. They
had exciting news and we praised God together, in the midst of chasing after my
two-year-old. Still, a great time was
had; to re-establish connections with new friends amongst the other guests, too
— brothers and sisters in Christ. The
second event was a one-year-old’s birthday party, about 45 minutes’ drive away. More new friends to meet, and more people I
wanted to know better. Later we went for
ice cream. A big day all-round. Then we went out to a people’s place we’re
only just getting to know. All new
friends; all new experiences.
***
Everyone in this
busy and confused life wants to feel they can be themselves — which I liken to
being home.
Friendship is feeling
home in the company of those we can safely trust.
And that’s what
the church is about. It’s a place where
the people of God can gather, to be fed, to heal, to be included, to grow, and
most of all to feel at home.
© 2016 Steve Wickham.
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