Tuesday, April 29, 2008

A Friend In Need...

written by ~ Susan L. Lenzkes


A Friend In Need

Friendship gives license to show up at the door of need without asking, "When would you like me to come?" or "What would you like me to do?" Nor does friendship call out, "Just let me know if you need anything."
Practiced friendship whispers, "I'll be there" and promptly steps through the door with sensitivity, respect, and understanding.
But what about honoring the right to invite? Those who wait for parchement invitations wait long, for need rarely throws a party ~ rarely even has a voice.
Yet need has its own needs. It needs protecion from strangers tromping in with work boots and good intentions. And it needs relief from acquaintances wearing the spiked heels of advice and pat answers.
Need waits with longing for the familiar entrance of dear ones who pad barefoot through the soul on ordinary days.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For years, now, I have read and re-read "A Friend In Need". It just speaks to me in a very soft voice. It reaches down and wraps around my heart and makes me stop to think about friends and friendship and what it all means to me.
Sometimes it makes me so very happy... other times so very sad. Lately, such thoughts have brought a weight upon my heart and soul. I've been reflecting on past friendships and relationships that have long ago been carried away by storms. I ponder over what went wrong and try to find a lesson to be learned within. Yes, I pray over these thoughts, and I talk with God about my feelings.
I suppose I'm on the "need" side of friendship for the moment. When I get that way I begin to ache inside. I so desire to hear a friend's gentle voice reach out to me and just say they love me. I try to not be angry or too sad. I try to know how busy they are with their lives. I try to find ways to lift myself up. I try to hold back my tears.
I still reach out and I continue to pray. And I wonder, and I hope, and I pray that I'm a friend who pads barefoot through the souls of those I love.
I know I try to be.

Until another time...
Pearl



7 comments:

PurpleFlowerFairy said...

wow... i totally understand that feeling. what a FABULOUS post. i will treasure this always. thank you pearl =)

Deb said...

Hi Pearl, that was a lovely post. I posted about being a friend too, it was my 6 word meme and it was called: "A Good Listener A Loyal Friend" I too have had friendships that didn't go the way that I thought they would and I felt bad and decided that I would take a break from making friends. I had a lack of trust in that department, although I remained what I thought a friend should be. If we continue to pray and ask God, he will put people in our paths to through Him, supply us with our needs whatever they made be, but in the meantime we should hold tight to his scripture: But seek ye first the kingdom of God,and his righteousness; and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 And we'll be alright. Your friend, Deb

Rue said...

Oh pearl.... don't be sad. You have friends here (me!) and although we're not sitting next to you, anytime you need a shoulder the friendship will be here. Beautiful post, but so sad...

BIG hugs,
rue

Unknown said...

that is a beautiful piece of writing, I see why you love it! Pearl, please email me with your home address so I can mail your thank you gift....Thanks Melinda!!!!

Deb said...

Hi Pearl, how are you? I hope you're having a pleasant afternoon. I've been thinking about you a lot and hoping that you are feeling much better than you were yesterday. Stop by and let me know ok. I really want to know. Your friend. Deb

Anonymous said...

I've never met you in person but I know what a sweet spirit you have. Thanks for the beautiful post.

Hugs,
LeAnn :)

Deb said...

Hi, Pearl it was so wonderful, to hear from you. I'm really concerned and if I could fix what's making you sad, I would do it in a heartbeat. I'm going to keep on trying to make you make you smile so if you just respond with a :O) I'll know its getting better. Your friend Deb