On a recent Wild at Heart Men's retreat to Western Maryland I found myself in a canoe with a friend. We were ready to paddle down the Historic Potomac River as fast as we could. Well, that plan went south in a hurry as we crashed into a boulder and capsized the canoe.
The only thing I remember after scrambling around to get on top, was man after man floating by and snapping off pictures. Seriously, it was as if the Paparazzi had been hiding in the water. Not one man stopped and helped poor Me and Mikey out in any way. Can you imagine that? Not one man out of 75 had the heart to help poor little jimmy out?
I should have been crushed by their lack of help. Well actually it was quite hilarious because they were friends and I would have done the same to them. Plus how often do you get as chance to see me upside down?
It reminds me of a passage in the Bible that says this:
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6
Real friends are willing to tell you the hard stuff that might hurt. However in the moment it might be painful and your gut reaction might not be what you like. But, after the pain wears off you soon realize that they were a real friend and you value them more deeply. Because you let their sharpening skills on you, help to make you more refined in your walk with Jesus.
So when I recall this event I am grateful for friends who are willing to let me stand in freezing water and float by. Seriously, I would do the same for them!
1 comment:
Friendship is an adventure, sometimes wet and upside down, for a time. But once we dry off, friendship helps us get back in the canoe, doesn't it?
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