There are times in our lives that we, being human,
Try to get by through a lot of assumin’.
If we listen sincerely to what God has to say
It becomes evident that’s not always His way.
Let’s take, for example, a friend I love dearly,
We’d be mere acquaintances had God not spoken so clearly.
Well I met Kelli at work, and right from the start,
Her goal was to burrow straight down to my heart.
The cards and the gifts, silly notes, and the clowning,
Enough to keep any old boss from just frowning.
But not me, no sir! I was going to be strong!
“You don’t get ‘chummy’ with staff, no matter who comes along.
You must let her know it’s a thing not to do
For you can’t be her boss, and then her friend too!”
So plans they were set like a package tied neatly
I tried to comply, and I hurt her so deeply
So convicted I felt when God stopped me to say
“You followed the rules…but this isn’t MY way…”
A phone call was made, but not without fears
There were friendship plans laid as we dried up our tears.
Outside the office, we’d be friends and have fun
But when we’re at work, we are ‘under the gun.’
What terrified me, wasn’t just “getting caught.”
But when we’re together, about what will we talk?
Our interests they differed from what I could see
‘Twas so little in common between Kelli and me.
Yet God gave such peace about this, our friendship,
We had to trust Him to establish a kinship.
Let me tell you what happened – this is straight from my heart
Our time spent together, from that first rocky start,
Has been just so precious, each moment a treasure
For God has so blessed us with joy beyond measure!
For a friend dear as Kelli, when found here on earth,
The gift that she’s brought is beyond any worth
For how much I need her only God could have known
Always willing to listen. All the kindness shown.
The love and the patience. Yes, the tolerance, too.
For my strange little quirks and hang-ups anew.
The times we spent talking, while decent folk slept
We walked, shared, and dreamt. Discussed, hurt, and wept.
We marveled at God’s love. We hugged and we held.
Fears I once had encountered, were surely dispelled.
These strong beginnings are but merely the start
Of a lifetime of blessings between kindred hearts!
To spend more time together, more memories to make
To love and to laugh till our stomachs do ache
And share our concerns, our joys and our dreams
To sit in a hot tub, while concocting new schemes.
We have talked of the present, the future, the past
And spent time on the floor in a wrestling match.
Oh the sharing, the laughter, the prayers and yes, tears
I just marvel at God’s love. Seems I’ve known her for years.
Dearest Kelli, I love you, more than you’ll ever know
I’m amazed how our God caused our friendship to grow
May we listen to Him as we walk in His Way.
And study His Word, bow together in prayer.
Such a joy you’ve become through this time in my life
As I learn to balance my job and be mother and wife
Our God, He’s so thorough, when He blessed me with you
He showed me some ways to find time for friends, too!
Hope you always are patient with me and my moods
Through my ups and downs and my PMS blues
You’re a dear, dear friend Kelli. I count you one of the best
God has chosen for me and my life richly blessed!
Written October 1987
Copyright © 2021 by Terri Art