"Friendship is a sheltering tree." Samuel Coleridge said it a long time ago... but it is a popular quote. Because it is true.
Trees are strong and they do provide shelter. The air is fresher for their presence and they shield us from the wind, soften the rainfall and come in beautiful shades of green. They are a refuge.
To every life comes heartbreak and sorrow. If it doesn't, I venture to guess a person hasn't really lived. To live life fully, we risk our hearts hurting when a change or loss comes that didn't want or expect. Friends and family become a refuge. Their strength steps in when our spirit is weary and would give up.
"The Diary of Anne Frank" has always fascinated me. The human spirit was strengthen by the refuge found in their hiding place. The same with Corrie Ten Boom. She and her sister granted refuge and then when taken to a concentration camp, their strength encouraged others. In such a dark time in history, they knew refuge and became refuge with the hope they shared.
Sometimes, life is hard. Really hard. Hard times are no time to "go it alone". We recently watched the movie "The 33" about the Chilean miners trapped for so many days underground. Wow! Talk about finding refuge. They found it in faith, in hope and in friendship. It is worth watching.
This was my Bible verse for today. It is perfect!
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. -Psalm 46:1
Refuge and strength beyond our own. Later in the passage...verse 10 to be exact...we are reminded to "Be still and know I Am God." This continues to be a life verse for may daily living. We are covered by His hand. Shelter awaits those who know him...and for those who return.
My heart can't help but imagine heaven where He will wipe away every tear. But until that day, we were given each other and His promise to be with us...through it all. He is with us. And, will stay with us... until our first breath of heaven.
Today, I am grateful for refuge.
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