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The Warmth of Friendship

 

I am marveling about....

Being "Warm Within"


I have a plaque over our Dining Room Table. I put it up for my Christmas and Winter decor and I love it. The plaque appropriately speaks to the picture that is hung above it. It is a canvas with the image of a welcoming cottage deep within a snow laden woods. The words on the plaque below it read:

                              "Cold outside, warm within

                               Spending time with friends and kin"


I don't know about you, friend, but I hate to be cold.

On these chilly Winter days, I can open the garage door and that sensation of cold can cut like an icicle-shaped knife causing me to shut the door with a hastened though gentle slam.

Whew! It just goes through a person. That chill.

But then, the joy of warmth...

-as I close the door to the elements and sense the protection and safety of my comfortable abode

-as I take a deep swallow of hot cocoa and actually sense its heat making its way down my throat; somehow penetrating my whole body with warmth with each delicious sip 

-or the warmth that engulfs me as I snuggle under a soft, cozy blanket

-or the heat that delights as I sit by the fireplace, enjoying its comforting crackle and glow

Doesn't warmth delight the soul?

And so it is when one spends time with a friend; one who "gets us" and cares for us to the core.

That person whom we can be ourselves with, laugh, cry, dream and act silly with,

Their presence evokes that feeling that "all is right with the world"

Their conversation can enlighten, enrich and encourage

It fills us with warmth...

Like a cup of hot cocoa..

With marshmallows....

On a cold winter's day.

"....the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel."     Prov 27:9b

(During this Covid season, I cherish times with family and friends more then ever)

                                                   

                                               

This Post begs me to take a step further. You likely know where I am going. You are likely already there:)

Do we not have a Friend who loves us like no other? One who is always there? One who is never socially distanced?  One who sticks "closer then a brother"?  He is the One who ignites a warmth within our soul setting it aglow with a love that is life changing . Thank you, Jesus. You warm me within; you are my best and closest friend!

"...but there is a friend who sticks closer then a brother."     Prov. 18: 21b 

 

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