Who Are You Talkin' To?

Sometimes children have imaginary friends. I'm not sure why they conjure up a buddy to tag along with them, but it is charming to witness a child playing with their "friend" and chatting away to the airspace around them. Having an imagination like that is creative. An imaginary friend could be the ideal confidant. A child could dream up the perfect friend, one who agreed with them, could listen to their ideas and problems and be trusted with all their secrets.

Friends come and go, as I've learned over the years. Yeah, I have friends that I can count on and friends that I've had for many years. We don't have "girls night out" or weekend get-a-ways, nor do we call each other or travel to visit on any kind of regularity. No way would I pour out my thoughts or daily musings on them, I'd be calling them every hour!

Throughout the Bible there are so many wonderful stories and I'm enjoying taking the time to read them this year. Stories that I've heard before and some I haven't. One thing that stands out to me today is the constant presence of someone to talk to. The old testament stresses the need for God in people's life. Jesus spent His life on earth telling as many as He could about God and how He wants to be their confidant and help. Today, the Holy Spirit is readily available to all of us.

Kids are so smart. We all need to have an outlet for processing life's challenges and successes. An ever present comfort in times of trouble. A friend who won't spread your dirty laundry all over town and will not only keep your secrets, but will help you sort things out. An ear to hear your screams, a place to pour your tears, a hand to help you up. A heart to love you at your worst and at your best. A strength to carry you when you don't want to go on and a cheering spirit to celebrate your blessings with. Someone who knows you better than you know yourself.

The day I walked by my daughter's room and heard her talking to someone changed my outlook on imaginary friends. As I looked around the corner to see who was with her I expected to see her cat, but there wasn't anyone there. I asked her who she was talking to and she replied matter-of-fact, "God". She may have been four years old. "God". I pray that she never loses touch with her best friend. He's not imaginary; He's for real and forever!

That moment taught me, through an innocent child and her very mature heart for God, how to talk to Him. I'll not forget the vision of that precious little girl sitting on her bed talking to God and Him sitting there with her, listening intently to everything she said. Today I'm drawing from that vision as I seek His will for me. In the process I'm having difficulty sitting still, so I think I'll stop right now and do that. Be still and have a conversation with Him. I need to pour some stuff out to Him and see what He has to tell me about it. What about you? Do you need a friend? He's listening...

Want some scripture to process? Try these: Psalms 46, Psalm 18, St. John 16:25-33, St. Matthew 7