Such Friends
Within the last few days, two of my closest friends (who happen to be married to one another), each gave me one of the best compliments I've ever received. In anticipation of my soon-coming reassignment to Fort Knox (which is very close to Louisville, where most of my friends live), one of them told me that I will help restore sanity in our circle of friends. Note that ours is a very sane circle of friends... I am blown away that I should be known as particularly reasonable among such solid company, even if I should only be known as such for a short, troubled time.
Then my other friend (the first friend's wife) told me that I inspire her because I have passionately kept faith in Christ despite my disastrous reenlistment in the army. I'm so much more used to defending my decisions there than receiving praise...
I always assumed these close friends were troubled or even annoyed by my whole ordeal, but were simply too loyal to me as friends to give words to private complaint. I sensed that- was sure of it- and counted the blessing that, even if we disagree on some pivotal issues in my life, they are dedicated to my well-being and our relationship (which is such a freeing thing to me). That is to say, they've always been kind and inviting, but generally not affectionate and affirming with particulars in such an invested way, as I feel them to be now.
Oh journal, am I doing this feeling of acceptance and elation justice? I'm afraid I do not know how to let you express me with near enough force of truth... What would we do without our friends?
Then my other friend (the first friend's wife) told me that I inspire her because I have passionately kept faith in Christ despite my disastrous reenlistment in the army. I'm so much more used to defending my decisions there than receiving praise...
I always assumed these close friends were troubled or even annoyed by my whole ordeal, but were simply too loyal to me as friends to give words to private complaint. I sensed that- was sure of it- and counted the blessing that, even if we disagree on some pivotal issues in my life, they are dedicated to my well-being and our relationship (which is such a freeing thing to me). That is to say, they've always been kind and inviting, but generally not affectionate and affirming with particulars in such an invested way, as I feel them to be now.
Oh journal, am I doing this feeling of acceptance and elation justice? I'm afraid I do not know how to let you express me with near enough force of truth... What would we do without our friends?