I Just Wanted To Be Sure Of You

Tacked to my office wall is an endearing picture of Piglet and Pooh, given to me by a friend. The photo shows Piglet and Pooh walking together, Piglet’s hoof reaching to hold Pooh’s paw, and it reads: Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh!” he whispered. “Yes, Piglet?” “Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw. “I just wanted to be sure of you.” Something about this simple statement resonates with me. It’s a powerful picture of what each of us feels from time to time when we need to know that we are not alone. Throughout the Bible, the reality of people needing people is apparent. In the book of Genesis, God creates Adam and soon realizes that “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” -- and Eve was created. (Genesis 2:18) Jonathan and David were joined in spirit with a friendship and love which David describes as “more wonderful than that of women.” (II Samuel 1:26b). Their friendship was tested over and over again as they strived to “be sure” of one another. Friendships come and go throughout our lifetime as we risk being vulnerable to people we must be sure of. We must ensure our safety as we remove our masks and pray that the truth of who we are will not be a deal breaker. The forming of such relationships can happen suddenly, as in the case of Jonathan and David, or over years of staying the course with one another through the ups and downs of life. When the ordinary events of life reveal the truth of what we cannot hide, we need to know that our fragile hearts will be safe—we need to know that we are with someone we can be sure about. The story of Thomas and his struggle with unbelief is a familiar story that for thousands of years has given Thomas the nickname “Doubting Thomas.” (John 20:24-28) I wonder how often the disciples removed masks, revealing gut-level honesty about their doubts, fears, and lack of belief in their one-on-one relationships with Jesus. Such moments may not be recorded in the ancient scrolls—but I reckon they were some of the most intimate moments where true friendships took root, forged in the muck and mire of life, as Jesus’ character showed that He was someone a person could be sure of. I believe the truth of each disciple’s heart was fully embraced by Jesus in these moments. Instead of feeling worthless or powerless, Jesus reached out to each disciple and each person He met to affirm His unconditional, unwavering love for them. Friendship with God is something we can be sure of. God’s love and affirmation replace the fear of what man can do to us and enable us to be a person of love, just as God is love. God’s affirming love and the gift of His Spirit allows us to pour out of ourselves into the lives of those we meet—giving us the ability to be a trusted friend that another can be sure about. Stay the Course…