Inspired by The Invisible String by Patrice Karst *
https://youtu.be/n5w3dfVFxcw (the author reads on You Tube)
Colossians 3: 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
*We are intricately connected to who we love. The Invisible String inspired me to write a little bit about a close relationship I share with a dear one and perhaps like one you have as well.
Love holds us all close, like a string connecting hearts with the truth…that of abiding friendship. That yes! “I can do this” and feel the tug to stay connected, despite pandemics, snowstorms, illness…write cards, calling… surfacing above the fear of the deadly pandemic that once appeared to threaten so many in the world. Perhaps you, like me, have been blessed with zooming and could feel the energy of others right through the screen, with those that care about each other.
In my relationship with Jesus, I openly share deep in the heart, but I don’t even need to say a word. The Word reaches out and touches my heart… comforting me as I listen …though sometimes, I am not awakened to know it.
This open, heart-based relationship comes through between my friend Debbie and myself. We continue to hold center for each other… present and praying for each other in whatever we go through. God blesses us continually no matter what circumstances appear in our lives. Sharing God’s love through presence and lovingkindness, we look forward to an open, trusting conversation every time we get to talk with each other.
No matter whatever else happens to us, we have had a phone call invitation waiting for each other nearly every day. (My husband knows to expect the call and sometimes the whole family joins in!) Feet remaining firmly planted in Scriptures, we share Scriptures, day’s events and remind each other of how blessed we are in this world with God’s love living in us and through us. (We had called our loving mothers every day and years ago when they passed away, we started this tradition whenever our hearts speak out the other’s name.)
We continually share a love of music. Me with piano and bagpipes, she with her gift of playing 10 musical instruments to bring joy to people all over her metropolitan city at church, nursing homes, wherever called and even at my 70th bday party online earlier this year. She played over 5 beautiful songs on her harp to the entranced guests celebrating with me. For her birthday, I tried my hand at making a birthday cake which I presented at my house… almost 2 years since we were in same room.
Debbie cocked her head and smiled as she looked at my sorrowful, slightly lopsided Bundt confetti cake. I knew she would like whatever I did, as I do for her, but truly, it looked like a five-year-old had frosted it. I looked up at her quizzical look and said, “Okay. I know. I am a writer, not a cook.” “Yes, you are,” she says lovingly. No more was needed. As the prodigal child, I was accepted for being me, just myself. Knowing that no matter what we do, we will still be connected by loved and accepted. No questions asked.
The next morning, I picked her up at her sister’s house and drove off for breakfast to have one last conversation before she left to go back home to Minnesota. In a Snuffy’s shirt and slacks, Debbie joined me for a casual breakfast at McDonalds.
As I poured hot sauce on my breakfast burrito, I caught a look out of the corner of my eye at Debbie. She was looking at me like she was gazing at a picture she wanted to remember…and said “It is one thing to get all dressed up and go out to eat for a special dinner, but having a burrito in old clothes early in the morning, that has to be with someone who really loves you.” She bowed her head and grasped my hand tightly for the blessing. We were so grateful that we could be together for a little while. It is well and always will be. Lopsided cake and all.
Idea to Ponder…
Dear readers, as we venture out now, it can be like learning how to behave with others all over again, dipping our toes in the water. Let a tug from your heart, a smile and a loving word lead as you sing with your heart to others. With faith, we all are connected and need to hold on to each other. Love holds all of us in fact all of Creation snuggled as one big family. How can you send Christ’s Love down that invisible string with others in your life? © 2021 Bonnie L. Smith-Davis
Awakening Light 