Richard Ethun proud husband of Karen, father of Elizabeth, Angela and Cecilia, member of St. Luke’s for 30 plus years, GoodWill Sunday School Class teacher, Sinner and Saved by Grace

Galatians 6:1-5

1 My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. 5For all must carry their own loads.

Reflection:

I was 12 years old when my dad told me that I would be lucky if, when I got older, much older, I would be able to count my true friends on one hand. We had just moved to Big Spring, Texas from Okinawa in the middle of the school year. I know he was trying to comfort his pubescent son from the fears and turmoil of new culture, new school, hopefully new friends and 7th grade girls. But even in my hormone addled brain this sage advice seemed extreme to me. Surely by the time I was old, like 30, I would have tons of friends. Surely.

Next year I will turn 70 and Dad, of course, was right. People who I have known for a lifetime, who know everything about me and like me in spite of that are indeed few. But with experience I have altered that “Few Friend” axiom for my children and grandchildren – “Without a common bond and fulfilling purpose, by the time you are older you will be lucky to have friends you can count on one hand.”

I have changed my father’s advice because of my experience with my friends at St Luke’s. When I read Paul’s letter to the Jesus followers in Galatia I was powerfully reminded how fortunate I am to have friends who love me in spite of knowing everything about me. Jesus knew the power of small groups for understanding and following the path to Kingdom living. And it has been through small groups like Sunday school, bible studies, dinner groups, men’s life and Emmaus that I have been so enriched by caring friends. The one common denominator in all those groups is accountability.

I am held to account. Weekly I meet with my Christian brothers to talk about my successes and my failures; about my hopes and fears; about answered prayer and the doubts of silence. These are friends around whom I can be vulnerable, be open, be myself and feel safe. And when I admit failure, as I often do, I am gently reminded that my load is lifted and shared by these, my friends. And lest I get too full of myself a few choice remarks, always funny and spot on, bring me back to earth. 

Life is a load but with friends like these it isn’t a burden.

Prayer:

God of Grace and Glory, so often I find you in my relationships. Help me to remember that the love you offer is realized when I share it with my brothers and sisters. Thank you. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.