"Marilla," she demanded presently, "do you think that I shall ever have a bosom friend in Avonlea?"
"A--a what kind of friend?"
"A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. I've dreamed of meeting her all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will, too. Do you think it's possible?"
From Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Ever since I first met Anne Cuthbert in the world of Avonlea, I have dreamed of having a bosom friend- someone who I can tell anything to and confide my deepest secrets in. Someone who is completely loyal to me. Someone who will be my friend forever.
Recently, though, I realized that dream probably wasn't coming true anytime soon. My friends had come and gone over the years. Some of us just grew apart naturally, some moved away, and more recently, some rejected me because I chose and different path than they. Being a set apart girl is...difficult. Not many other girls like you come your way. Sure, I have a few good friends...who live states away. And in town, I have some friends in my church small group. But there's just not that bosom friend- who I can always be with, talk to, and share my heart with.
For a while, this really hurt me. I felt like no one besides my family valued me, which made me feel...worthless! I thought there must be something wrong with me. Why else would everyone "hate" me? However, over the past few years, I have slowly but surely learned a lesson I hope never to forget. It was one of those lessons I have heard ever since I was a little girl, but never really sunk in:
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18:24
Now, in this verse, the word "companion" means: Another, friend, fellow- kind of like a buddy. It even says that it means it in a weaker sense. You know, just a "chum".
But the word "friend" (referring to Jesus) means: To love, a lover, to delight in something, the eager pursuit of something, God's love for man.
It also says that this friend "sticks" closer than a brother- "Sticks" mean to cling or adhere to. It comes from a root than means to cleave, stay close
Jesus is our lover. Our dear friend who will always stay close to us. He delights in us and we delight in him. When we do not delight in Him, He eagerly pursues us. Jesus is our forever friend and no earthly friend will satisfy us as much as He will. He will be forever loyal to us, He will be forever with us, and He is forever listening to our cries. Jesus deeply loves us. He is our FRIEND. He is my bosom friend and my "lovliest dreams" have come true.
2 comments:
That is SO TRUE, Madeline. Haha, you know I know what it feels like. ;) And I have come to the same realization. It is such a comfort to know that He will never, never, never leave, though all the word scorns us. And I would rather have Him than the entire universe.
~Lucy~
Lucy, even though I haven't had the best time finding friends, God has blessed me with a few good ones and you have been the most loyal throughout the years. I'm glad to have you with me on my journey of faith. :) Love ya, sister!
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