Recently, I had a period of time where
I needed my friends,
more than usual.
Here is a little tribute to them from
some reading I did this weekend:
"Friendship is a mirror to presence and
a testament to forgiveness.
Friendship not only helps us see ourselves
through another's eyes,
but can be sustained over the years only
with someone who has repeatedly forgiven us
our tresspasses
as we must find it in ourselves
to forgive them in turn.
A friend knows our difficulties and shadows
and remains in sight,
a companion to our vulnerabilities
more than our triumphs,
when we are under the strange illusion that we do not need them.
An undercurrent of real friendship is a blessing
exactly because its elemental form
is rediscovered again and again
through understanding and
mercy.
All friendships of any length
are based on a continued,
mutual forgiveness.
Without tolerance and mercy
all friendships die."
(David Whyte)
To my friends, new and old, near and far:
Thank you for your forgiveness,
your presence
and remaining in sight,
even though you so clearly see
my shadows.
I love all of you.