“The RoseBouquet”

I had been happily playing with one cousin in our small village, Chortitz, when another cousin arrived with her family from a distance for a visit. At first we both made a fuss over the visiting cousin and played together under the spreading oak tree. After a while I noticed the cousins were whispering together, and leaving me out of their plans for their next move. I tried to get closer and be part of their secret sharing, but the one shoved me and told me to go home. I was too young for them.

Hurt, I turned and dragged my feet in the gravel as I went home.

After the visiting relatives left, my usual playmate cousin soon wanted me to come play again, and she acted as if nothing had happened between us. But I grew up with this constant caution that people didn’t find me acceptable.

Have you had similar experiences? If someone is well-known and popular, do you hold back too from getting close, because — well, they can’t possibly want to include you in their circle?

I suspect a lot of shyness begins this way. It also leads to us missing out on many relationships and things we could do, if we but had the courage to believe we would be welcome and treated as an equal.

There is one very special relationship though, that I’ve had since even those childhood, girlish friendship years, where I have discovered that I am welcome and treated royally. I owe my very mental health and my courage to dare to dream and do things I might never touch to this unique friendship. The Lord Jesus always has time for me, gives me His undivided attention when I need to talk or mull things over in His presence, and He treats me just any of His other world famous ‘best friends.’ What’s more, I believe that when I have an unusually bright idea, it is because He has whispered a secret suggestion to me. When I carefully, open-heartedly read the Bible I often get the sense that He is confiding these truths to me. If I act on them, it is as if the two of us are doing them together!

The good news I have for you, is that Jesus and I are not exclusive in our friendship. We’ll let you in!

I’m confident that because He has all the traits of God, He is perfectly capable of having thousands and millions of other relationships with other people. Close Friendships like He and I have, yet each one individually tailored for the person who wants such a close friendship with Him. I have no fear of ‘losing Him’ to you. Nor do you have to worry that your friendship with Jesus is of less value than mine.

Each of our friendships can of course, always grow deeper and richer. No need to worry that He will push me away, to make room for you as a friend.

Besides, knowing that we both know and love the same perfect Friend, can help us to become good friends too! That’s one of the perks in my friendship with Jesus; He knows how much I appreciate having friends so He keeps connecting me with others that He knows will bless me and give me joy! He delights in all my new friendships.

Oh, He’s the BEST Friend in the whole universe! I recommend Him highly to you!

[Note; in case you’re wondering; yes, I am writing more articles on this topic and themes in my novel. I have a reason for this ].

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