I want someone to love me just as I am,
someone who calls me when I need calling,
hugs me when I need hugging,
cries with me when I am crying,
laughs with me when I am laughing,
someone who dances with me
and matches my walk stride for stride.
I want a companion who sits companionably,
watching the world go by with me,
happy to be quiet or silly or thoughtful
as the moods chase us together.
Whether they live near or far,
Thank you God for the quick connection,
for the interest in another’s eyes
and sympathy that is not forced.
Thank you for simultaneous laughter
and a quiet moment,
for interests that connect,
and the spontaneous invitation, “We should…”
and the quick reply of “Let’s”.
Thank you for the light giddiness that comes
from encountering a kindred spirit.
In a world where friends seem few and far between,
God of friends,
thank you for finding me new friends
on the long journey.
God who sees the heart of things,
who sees my heart,
you know the love still lodged
for friends long absent.
Once, long past,
we found a home
in each other’s presence.
A genuine meeting then
a parting of ways,
the currents of life and time…
We love our friends,
we think the best of them until
their actions bring us up short.
The fall from high regard
leaves us dizzy and disoriented.
Esteem and trust plummet
as deep disappointment blossoms.
God, can you fathom the human heart?
Is our dismay a faint echo of your own?…
Thank God for old friends
who take the long view—
who are not startled by temper flares
or momentary lapses of judgement.
The ballast of high regard
floats all ships:
you think well of me
and I strive not to disappoint.
Thank God for old friends
who see the lighter side,
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.
I love to write and to lead worship! If you are finding my writing helpful, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to use or adapt the material here, it is all written by me. If printing material, please credit “Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com” (and say whether you modified it). If publishing, please contact me for permission. Contact me at carol@leadinginworship.com
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