The Friendship Lamp

 

Photo by Jill Wellington@Pixabay

I read about an interesting device, the Friendship Lamp. These have evidently been out a while, but I just discovered them through a meditation in Our Daily Bread.

(See video: Friendship Lamps)

On initial impulse, I thought this was a great idea. I’d love for each of my kids to have one. I could let them know, unobtrusively, every time I thought of them. But when I researched the lamps, I found out they are very expensive. Most pairs retail for $90 to $200. That’s more than I can spend when a phone call or a text will work just as well.  

However, I admit the visual of the light is appealing, like leaving the light on for someone to come home or a candle in the window. Who doesn’t light up when a friend calls, texts, or stops by for a visit?

This reminded me of a coffee mug a friend gave me years ago. This letter is written across the front.

I am writing to say how much I care for you. I want you to know me better. When you woke this morning, I exploded a brilliant sunrise through your window, hoping to get your attention. But you didn’t even notice. Later, you were walking with friends, I bathed you in warm sunshine and perfumed the air with flowers. Still, you didn’t notice me. So, I shouted to you in a thunderstorm, and painted a beautiful rainbow. You didn’t even look! Tonight, I spilled moonlight on your face and sent a cool breeze to refresh you. As you slept, I watched over you and shared your thoughts, but you were unaware of my presence. I hope you will talk to me soon. When you’re ready, I will be near. I love you very much.

Your Friend,

Jesus

I wonder if after a while, the lamps would be just as unnoticeable. Perhaps the best light is the light inside of us, our faith, which Jesus told us not to hide, but to place in a window for all to see. That light is our acts of kindness and compassion.

Dear Lord, thank you for being my friend. In return, mold my thoughts, my actions, and my words to reflect You. Amen.

 

Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart

For the first few years of marriage, my husband and I followed all the usual traditions, but as we aged, we found other ways of saying, “I love you.” 

When he repeats the same story, I listen as if hearing it for the first time. I make the bed, cook his favorite foods, and clean the kitchen without complaining. When he leaves his used napkin beside his chair, I pick it up without announcing it. 

We both take turns getting up with the puppy and letting the other one sleep. One of us offers to do the chore we both hate — with a smile. We don’t say cruel things when we’re angry and think the best when it looks the worst. 

The list goes on, encompassing a lifetime of little things that all add up to one big, “I love you.”

As the marriage vows state, we love and cherish each other through lost jobs, health challenges, forgetfulness, and sometimes feeling taken for granted. 

Words are important too. I tell my husband I love him, admire him, respect him, and appreciate all the things he does for our welfare. I say it often, not just now and then. He tells me the same. We are a partnership, built on mutual respect and admiration for the other’s abilities and contributions. 

Today we won’t go out to dinner. We’d rather eat at home, away from the crowds. We

won’t exchange cards. Instead, we will restate our love in the kitchen over coffee. We will spend the day doing our usual things, peppered with touches, kisses, and long conversations. For us, Valentine’s is every day.

The Unexpected Void of Retirement

Photo courtesy of  Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net      

It began with a friend posting a picture of a calla lily on Facebook. Then, another friend posted a picture of a national park an hour’s drive from my hometown with two rainbows arched across the stormy sky.

It continued with a silly game that pulled random scripture verses which supposedly match your profile. My verse was Psalm 91: 14: “Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my name.”

Then the next morning Psalm 27 was listed in my devotions. 

So, what exactly does all this mean?