Late night reflections...

A long time ago, I was in the house of a friend of a friend and I read the poem All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum (related to the book, though I've not read the book). That poem is so amazing...it's so simple and yet so profound. My accademic life and career of writing have often been a struggle to do what he did with that poem; say so much so well with so little. Also, I've often reflected on how some of the most difficult and complex truths of theology and philosophy are nothing more than what I learned in Sunday school explained with big, confusing words. I've been thinking for years about writing a book called All I really need to know I learned in Sunday School. Specifically, singing one song. As to what song I sung, I won't tell. That's giving away way too much and compromising my chances at my Pulitzer. I tell you what...those Pulitzer dudes screwed me once and I swear by Bruce Campbell's Datsun that it won't happen again! But, I found myself listening to a song tonight that reminded me of another truth that I have frequently and fantastically forgot. I was listening to Friends by Micheal W. Smith (covered by Jump5) and was reminded of several profundities:

**********************************************
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes he’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the lord’s the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
’cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love god’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
**********************************************

Man. Smitty is right on track with that. I've been realizing recently that I've been choking myself from friendships with certain people because sin has blinded me to my own unloving heart and desperate need for koinonia. I won't get into stupid or needless detail, but I've got to remember:

1. Good friends are a gift from God.

2. Friends need love, regardless of what's going on.

3. Friends need prayer, more often than not.

4. A lifetime friendship is a tremendous blessing, though it sometimes feels like a huge burden.

5. Understanding the first, living out the second and third and growing in the fourth are all impossible outside of the grace of the indwelling Christ.

I have a tendency to really hate people and I constantly need the grace of God in my life to understand and properly respond to how tremendously much he's blessed me with the wonderful and beautiful (those who know me know what I mean by that) people in my life. I thank God for you all and I owe some of you an apology. Man. I'm such a fool. Until next time,

The Armchair Theologian