friends

I love my friends. As I have struggled through many ups and downs over the last couple of months, they have been strong and present in my life. It is wonderful to think that I have that kind of support system. Whether it's smoking pipes and cigars on the front porch late into the night, or grabbing a quick bite to eat, my friends always provide me the stability my oft-shaky legs cannot.

Today, my prayer is one from the Lectionary. It reminds me of how I see God in my friends so often:

Faithful Midwife,

as you delivered the Hebrews safely

out of the long labor of slavery,

so, morning by morning,

you draw us forth into the new day.

Surround us with a cloud of witnesses,

and sustain us by your powerful word,

that, in the night of loneliness and fear,

we, being weary, may not lost heart

but push toward the joy that is to come,

laboring with Christ

to give birth to your promised kingdom. Amen.