Refreshment in Friends

My family and I had the privilege of having a friend from Minnesota visiting with us for the past few days. Not only was she a refreshment to have with us, but also who and what she represents for us - MN. Anytime we have had visitors from MN, it always adds that extra hug of joy to our hearts. In some ways, one may say it is a two-fold gift.

Representation is a big deal. Just as a friend may represent a group of people or a place may represent a person or a child may represent a parent or a parent may represent a child - so our LORD and Shepherd is represented by those who are disciples.

Often, I am humbled by how my interaction with the boys is a representation of how the LORD interacts with me. How I speak with the boys is how they will see the LORD speaking to them. How I respond to them, how I love on them, how I pay attention to them, how I discipline them...all of it is a representation to them of who the LORD is. This will continue for some time until they have their own firmly grounded relationship with the LORD.

The boys are looking to me to lead them, guide them, teach them, protect them, provide for them, and so on and so forth; I am looking to the LORD to be those things for me and my family.

		Psalm 23 "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
		He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
		Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
		You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
		Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,  And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."