5.19.15 Friends
The strangest of companions, of those in fellowship with each other! I am observing my little dog, a toy German Schnauzer, and my daughter’s big dog, a mix of Hound Dog and German Shepherd, playing together. My dog, Pepper, is feisty and standoffish, a Diva, a little intimidated about Gunner, my daughter’s dog, and his size. To one of Gunner’s ‘lopes’, Pepper has to take somewhere around 10-15 steps to catch up with him. It is not uncommon to see him running around the yard at a leisurely pace and her going at break-neck speed to catch up to, or to get away from, him. Gunner lopes around the yard, unconcerned, only wanting a friend and to play. He leaps and lopes and jumps. He turns and twirls and does all he can to entice her. He even gets down on his belly, face to face at her level. Yet, Pepper stands still and watches him. She doesn’t seem to be the least bit impressed nor does she seem to want to join in. She watches him until he has run himself out and suddenly plops down on the ground, out of breathe. He looks at her and she looks at him. Poor Gunner! He finally accepts the fact she is not impressed and is not going to join in, he lowers his head in resignation. He lies very still. Pepper meanders over and lies down near to him. And there they are - the odd couple, the best of friends, relaxed and enjoying the quietness of friendship.
How are you in your friendships, those you fellowship with? Do you gravitate to those like you? Do you venture out to others a bit different than you? Ever hear how opposites attract? Sometimes the best of friends are those who are so different and yet so much the same! Sometimes the one who rubs you the most will be the best friend you need to have. They will challenge you, correct you, rub the rough edges off of you, and develop the Fruit of the Spirit in you. They will tell you Truth and this is good stuff!
Proverbs 27:5-6 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:9 "Oil and perfume make the heart glad; so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend”
- Pastor Sandi
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