The Gift of Friendship

 

As I enjoy the holiday decorations of my neighborhood, I have noted that while some yards have ghosts and some have skeletons, a few, like this one, go with the complete graveyard theme. This scene has elaborate and detailed tombstones laid out in rows. There is a random skull exposed, then an entire skeleton. But my favorite aspect is the skeleton hound that roams the quiet cemetery lawn. Even as a skeleton, it somehow manages to look cute and friendly. The presence of the dog takes the edge off what should be a gruesome sight.

When we face tough times, we are among the blessed if we have someone that walks through them with us. A family member or a friend can have great power in such times. They can’t change the circumstances or erase our struggle, but some how they still manage to take the edge off. Perhaps it is their laughter. Perhaps their quiet strength. It may be their wisdom or the grace they show that seeps into our lives even in our weakest and least gracious moments. Sometimes we can’t name what it is, we just know it is. And that makes the difference.

The philosopher of old writes, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

To know such a presence in one’s life is a gift. To be such a presence in the life of another is a gift. Maybe today we could take the edge off someone’s tough scene and walk with them. Wouldn’t that be a great way to start of the week?

Peace.