“Let us give thanks for a bouquet of people….
For funny friends, silly as snapdragons,
And serious friends, complex as chrysanthemums.
For comfortable friends, their gentle presence as soothing as the sweet smell of lilacs.
For stormy weather friends, who stand by us in hard times, like lily of the valley that cannot be deterred by shade or shadow.” -Claire Feingold Thoryn
Do something as silly as snapdragons today.
When dust bunnies abound, when dishes are in the sink, when I have coffee breath, I let my friends in! For whom do you step away from the fear of judgment, knowing that you will still be loved? That is a true friend. -Beth Murray (CLF)
Who do you have in your life who will not judge you?
When my husband and I were first dating, he expressed to me his desire to have a life not just of memories and hopes but of shared experiences in the present moment. We forged a friendship, and then a partnership, in those shared experiences, and now we get to revisit them in a completely different way with our child. -Rev. Michael Tino (CLF)
What is a memory you have that only those who shared it in the moment would understand?
This month, the United States honors Black History Month, understanding that the history of Black Americans is the history of the nation. We learn this month of creativity and struggle, of perseverance and inspiration, of brilliance and hard work. We learn also that history lives right here among us in the relationships we have right now.
Do something to honor the history of your people today.
Friendship at different times of life. The grade school best friend who held all my secrets. The high school and college friends who held all my dreams. The career and mama friends who held my fears and triumphs. Then came the sister friend who held them all. -Christina Rivera (CLF)
Who are the friends that have been with you at different times in your life?
