Homage to the Shadows*

      To all who read this and/or have been my friend, thank you for choosing to love me. You have loved me so well throughout these months in word and deed.
      Words have a sad reputation of being empty. However, I know how sincerely- how fully- you have said these words; they are like the constant shadows cast from embodied actions on a cloudless day. I can't replicate all of the shadows, but I want to thank you for saying:

"How did you sleep?"

"How was your day?"

"Can I photocopy that for you?"

"Ms. Grace, you've gotten so much better. I don't get confused at all anymore!"

"I really want to cyber-hug ya." 

"It is my intention that you will always have a home here. You will always be family."

"I really do hope you are doing well and I'd love to talk on the phone sometime upon your arrival. 

You are a dear person to me Gracie" 

"I was thinking of you the other day because I attempted to climb a tree and didn't fall! ...and I think, 'Wouldn't Gracie be proud.' "

"I think of you often, especially when..." 

 "I´ve been thinking a lot about our weekend and I think it will be really important"

"Praying so much."

 "and my next comment after she almost gagged was, that was a Grace McCutcheon comment." 

"Shoot me some prayer requests when you can!"

"Dear dear friend,

   I was just sitting here thinking of you and couldn't get up before I wrote to you.  There is a beautiful storm brewing outside the window...the sky is steel grey and the light green trees have taken on a silver tint as the wind flips their leaves over.  And yet, there is a golden light that washes over all this...This storm I'm watching feels like this passage...how our Father, more loving and powerful than we will ever know, comes in light, bringing healing to this earth, triumphing over the darkness and storms of this present age, to set us free for joy this new life brings. May you be filled with joy." 

"I love her so much, and I pray that she would feel the prayers I've been praying for her. Lord continue to help her do the work out there and safely come back to us soon :) amen."

"How are YOU?Excited to see you!Please let me know your thoughts."

"Are you bringing a working cell phone for emergencies?

Do you have pepper spray?

Have fun."

I cannot love life. I love the author of it.

I cannot pay homage to those who make me relationally rich,  but to the one who has authored and enabled such loving relationships.


Author's note*

Though most of the words in this piece are not mine, I spent more time crafting this post than most. I wondered how will people read this? Is this boasting about my quality of friends? Will people feel left out if I didn't quote them? Is this plagiarism?  and more.

I am convicted now that this is a worthwhile post. 

Please do not deny the remarkable love that has been given to me in these words.
Please do not suppose this remarkable love has been given to me because I am remarkable.
I am not.
I want this to be a witness that this sincerity of love is REAL,
and the community from which it flows exists.
If you don't have this and want it, it's available to you.

You only have to ask.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"