I know who you are, and I know what you've done!

My daughter has a best friend. He has an uncanny ability to calm, refresh, encourage, and share by just existing. He is only a few ounces in weight, and is furry. Cowie has been with her since she was one. In times of crisis he just listens, he sleeps beside her head for suport, and never gets mad at her.

It is a privilege to have friends. Most people don't have more than 1 friend they could truly count on, and having more than one is very rare. We have old friends, casual friends, new acquaintances, phone-calls-two-times-a-year-friends, and deep, lasting, nourishing, constantly growing and changing friends. The latter is something so rare, that usually most people would consider their spouse their one and only true friend. While spouses should be that person, if you are blessed enough to have another friend or two like that, you know what I mean. It's rare.

There aren't limits to the relationship, hurts and fears only deepen the friendship. The Lord had friendship in his disciplines, he loved them very much. They were always together. He had Lazarus and his sisters. The Bible talks about friends a lot.

The Lord has blessed me with so many wonderful friends. My family is at the top of the list, of course. Going to a Christian college also expands my list. Our goals are similar as are our lives.

So, here's to you my dear ones, who continually are there for me, enrich me, encourage me, lift me up, and challenge me. You know who you are, and I know what you've done!