Encounter: A Look, A Glance

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” (George Eliot) The Music: A Theme for Oboe by Corelli, arranged by Jane Mortimore Musicians: Thomas Herzog, (oboe) Suzanne Herzog, Shirley Richards, Helen Rees, Julian Chang, Jo Garcia (strings) A look, a glance - I can tell at once When something’s on your mind – grant me the grace to handle it aright. I’m hurting, Lord today, I’m afraid to be noticed, I need to be noticed, Help me to share my needs and hurts appropriately. Thank You for friends who can lift the load and set me free again. Lord, we bless You for those You have used to draw us closer to Yourself. We bless You for their kindness and their care of us. Make us infectious for You, Lord, just as they were, so that many can recognise the beauty of Christ through us. Be glorified, Lord, in our friendships. Grant those special encounters which draw us close as soul-brothers and sisters, yet which never encroach upon each other’s own identity. Keep rivalry and striving far away, and all that would spoil our unity. Father, as our spirits sweep round like a radar scan, are there projects that You would have us attempt with our friends? Or any who are in special need today? I lift them now into the light of Christ and wait on You.