Into the Fire

Have you ever thought about the “friends” you’ve made via the internet? You know the ones you hope to meet someday—perhaps your paths will cross, you’ll share a handshake or a hug, a smile, some laughs, an interchange. Some have already met by attending writers’ conferences and established a face to accompany a name and the clever words transmitted electronically.

I know it’s morbid, but I’ve thought they’ll never know if I die. I’ll just quit communicating one day, and they’ll figure I’ve gone the way of e-mail friends or put an end to the blog or escaped into internet neverland. Kind of sad really.

Do you ever contemplate the legacy you’ll leave? What do you want the most to be remembered about you?

I want to touch people. I want to mean something to them because almost all of them mean something to me. Some have touched my heart and created their own little places there—hard to forget them even when they fade away. Communication isn’t casual to me. Not in person, not over the internet. It’s personal. It’s a connection. It speaks of relationship. Friendship. Kindness. Thoughtfulness. Spirituality.

And by “casual”, I recognize and accept that many exchanges are minimal. Fact-finding or sharing, congratulations or praise here and there, geared not to last or transcend the hallowed place of friendship. Still meaningful.

I’m both private and open—some things too sacred to share, others too horrid to admit. Nevertheless, I will give away my friendship if anyone considers it worthy of acquiring. You can’t have too many friends.

Someday the communication will stop, though, and I can only hope I’ll be worthy of being missed.

Father, you have my days determined. I ask you to help me make the most of every blessed day you’ve allotted to me. Help me to bless your people and those who become your people. May I always see through your eyes, not wanting to view people through a jaded lens. Allow me the privilege of being a friend to anyone who needs one or just plain wants one. Thank you for your friendship, Jesus, which is perfect. Help me to be better at all that I do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.