SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

  “Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. 

"Pooh!" he whispered.

"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you.” 

― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

PROVERBS 17-18

17A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (17:17)

2 CORINTHIANS 2

17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

JOURNAL 

Wow...these two verses are so revealing as to God's intent for his word and for our friendships with each other. We have friends in order to bear the unavoidable adversity in our lives. Therefore friends are to truly love at all times. It's what we all crave and want...but not in a smothering way but rather in the Pooh and Piglet sort of way. We just want to be sure of someone and know that if it all falls apart they will be with us, stick by us and love us through our worst moments.

I can say that I have been blessed with that kind of love, that kind of certainty and it's one of the most powerful things in the world. Thank you Father for loving me through my friends, my family, my children...but most importantly through Marcella. I've seen love that has no price tag or conditions but rather a certainty that is beyond explanation. No matter the heartache or disappointment or failure...I am still loved. What more could I ever ask.

I really believe that this is what God wants of us more than anything...to love those in their most unlovable moments. I believe he uses this to clearly demonstrate and show his faithfulness and we are truly all better for it. 

9Two are better than one,because they have a good return for their labor:10If either of them falls down,one can help the other up.But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10