FRIENDSHIP !!

Sometimes in life,
                      You find a special friend,
                      Someone who changes your life
                      Just by being a part of it

                      Someone who makes you laugh
                      Until you can't stop
                      Someone who makes you believe
                      That there really is good in the world

                      Someone who convinces you that
                      There really is an unlocked door
                      Just waiting for you to open it.
                      This is a Forever Friendship

                      When you're down,
                      And the world seems dark and empty,
                      Your forever friend lifts you up in spirit
                      And makes that dark and empty world
                      Suddenly seem bright and full.

                      Your forever friend gets you through
                      The hard times, the sad times,
                      And the confusing times.
                      If you turn and walk away,
                      Your forever friend follows.

                      If you lose your way,
                      Your forever friend guides you
                      And cheers you on.
                      Your forever friend holds your hand
                      And tells you that everything
                      Is going to be okay.

                      And if you find such a friend,
                      You feel happy and complete,
                      Because you need not worry.
                      You have a forever friend for life,
                      And forever has no end.


"Two are better than one...
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.
But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The Little Grape Stem

Once upon a time there was a little grape stem. This stem was so glad to be alive... She drank water and minerals from the soil and grew and grew. She was young and strong and could manage quite well... all by Herself -- or so she thought.

But then, the wind was cruel, the rain was harsh, the snow was not one bit understanding, and the little grape stem suffered. She drooped, weak and suffering.

It would be so easy to stop trying to grow, to stop trying to live. The grape stem became weak! The winter was long, and the stem was weary.

But then the little grape stem heard a voice. It was another grape stem calling out to her... "Here, reach out... hang on to me." But the stem hesitated. "What would this mean?" she thought, for you see, the little stem had always managed quite well... all by herself.

But then, every so cautiously, she reached out towards the other grape stem. "See, I can help you" it said. "Just wind your tendrils about me and I will help you lift your head." And the little stem trusted... and suddenly she could stand straight again.

The wind came, and the rain, and the snow, but when it came, the grape stem was clinging to many other stems. And although the stems were swayed by the wind, frozen by the snow, they stood strongly united to each other. And in their group supporting strength they could all smile and grow.

Then, one day the little stem looked down and saw a tiny stem, swaying, frightened. And 'our' grape stem said, "Here, hang on... I will help you." And the other little stem reached up to 'our' grape stem, and together all the stems grew... leaves budded... flowers bloomed... and finally, grapes formed... and all the grapes fed many.


Addendum -- Galatians 6:2 (NKJ)   Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.