A Lenten Devotion by Ricky Kliem
…a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.
Proverbs 18:24b
A few years ago my son purchased a gently used artificial balsam fir tree as a surprise for me at Christmas. It was set up outside in our backyard garden so my best friend and neighbor, Mary Gillis and I could both see it from our respective living rooms reminding us of the many Christmas trees in our past lives that had given so much pleasure. Decorated with white lights and standing over 6 feet tall, it often carried a lovely decorative dusting of white snow on the branches. The tree became a symbol of connection in the winter darkness and for Mary and I being there for each other at all times. She became suddenly ill just before Christmas last year and all during the last days of her life, I kept the tree lit as my way of saying to her, may the lights on the tree guide you on your journey home as it comforts me in your passing.
Bless us with friendship, comfort, and memories. Amen.