elainemcooper
Lisa Lickel
The Fellowship of Friends
Posted by elainemcooper on June 8, 2012
Posted by Elaine Marie Cooper
One of my favorite sights on an often-traveled route is a lush, green horse pasture. For years I have anticipated the sight of a large, pale-colored horse alongside her companion, a small pony. One thing always stood out in my mind: Wherever the larger animal was, the little pony was just a few steps away. Buddies. Friends. Compadres.
Well one day, the large horse was gone and I felt grief-stricken. I know, I am such a soft-heart when it comes to animals. But the sight of the lonely pony tore at my emotions. Munching on the grass, the little equine seemed so alone. Now, you may laugh at me but I started to pray that the owners would bring another companion to be a friend for that pony.
Go ahead and laugh. But God answered my prayer!
Within a week or so, I saw a tall black-and-white painted horse with a flickering tail, standing right next to the little pony. They were enjoying their vegetarian lunch in the field, one right next to the other. Perhaps I imagined it, but somehow the pony seemed happier.
Watching them stand side-by-side reminded me of how important fellowship is—not just for horses, but for humans.
God made us to share our lives with others, unselfishly, through good times and bad.
“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 NIV)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV)
Sometimes the words of a friend can help mold us into the person God wants us to be.
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:6 NIV)
God created fellowship with other people, not just for our enjoyment, but so we could learn to be closer to God through our relationships that force us to look past our own selfish desires. If we neglect interacting with others, we have no one challenging us to be who God wants us to be. The “Lone Ranger” mindset just doesn’t fit with God’s plan.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”(Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV)
We need one another. Just like the horse and the pony.
2 Responses to “The Fellowship of Friends”
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Lisa Lickel said
lovely – my mood is changing
Elaine Marie Cooper said
It is serene and pastoral—and a sweet image of friendship! Thanks for stopping by.