“Four Friends”
12" x 12" Oil on Canvas Panel
NFS
One very cold and snowy January several years ago, three of
my best girlfriends and I decided to pack up the suburban and head to the
northwoods. I will never forget
the pristine blanket of white that greeted us, and the huge snowflakes drifting
down as their many facets twinkled from the reflection of a single street lamp. We stood in awe upon our arrival. Total silence – miles away from the cacophony of mass
humanity. Three deer – a doe with two fawns - serenely made
their way across the otherwise deserted road – right in front of us, as if we
weren’t there. It was a
surreal event.
After a cozy meal together at a local supper club, we drove down the winding fir-lined lane to the cabin. As the moonlight proudly highlighted our
surroundings, the scene appeared like a glittered Christmas card. The warmth of the home's cherry stained logs seemed to embrace us as we quickly turned up the heat
and built a fire in the stone fireplace.
Even Victor, the elk who presides over the hearth, was a welcoming
presence.
All this began a week of many treasured memories: knitting, snowshoeing, long talks, bible study, laughter, picture taking, pajama day, gathering
logs, food – of course - and more long talks! It wasn’t so much what we did - it was about just being together, encountering new situations, growing our relationships with each other and with God, and strengthening the
bond among us.
It was a trip that none of us will ever forget – forever
etched in one of the “happy places” in our hearts. With 20 inches of snow and temperatures dipping to 32 below
zero, it was a trek totally out of our comfort zone. An adventure.
And yes – “Four Friends” left a little stronger after five
days of “togetherness” than when they came – bolstered by a little extra dose
of independence, having survived the extreme elements – alone in the woods - without men!
I am reminded of scripture that the apostle Paul wrote to
the Ephesians. I have written it below as a prayer for all
our friends:
“I have not stopped giving thanks for my
friends and loved ones,
remembering them in my prayers. I keep asking you, the God of our
Lord
Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give them the Spirit of
wisdom and revelation, so that they may know You better.
I pray also that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened
in order that
they may know the hope to which You have called them, the
riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and Your incomparably great
power for us who believe.
Eph. 1:16-21
