The warmth of friendship

I am learning to experience God in the warmth of my friendships.

Warmth... not merely the fuzzy-wuzzy, happy, feel-good sensations that you can get from good chats, celebrating another's joy, being inspired/encouraged, or nomming awesome food together.

The warmth that emanates from knowing the other and being known to the other...

....is also the awkward joy that follows wholesome inter-personal conflict resolution and the subsequent wonder of the strengthened bonds.

It is the relief that flows after braving oneself to apologize and ask for forgiveness from the other, as well as the release and freedom effected by forgiveness received.

It is the grimace-and-wince-inducing realization that you've been a complete idiot, and yet the sweetness of having experienced another's love and grace.

Those warming moments... I cherish them while they fade away slowly only to be replaced by new warming moments. It is through such warming moments, God shows Himself and His Word true.