Dec 2nd Advent Day 6

Goodness, where is the time going?   Day 6 already.

Hmmm.  Not sure what I want to say for this one.  Joyce Hugget's chosen verses don't really do it for me today.  But funnily enough, the thing that is really in my face at the moment is this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_a46WJ1viA

Its funny isn't it how you can go for years without particularly noticing something and then all of a sudden it is in your face all the time wherever you look?    I watched a documentary about Simon and Garfunkel the other night and a good whack of the programme was given over to this song.  Then I heard it on the radio a couple of days later.  And this very morning Bear Grylls had it as one of his Desert Island Discs.

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found


I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around

In this run up to Christmas nearly everyone I know is having a very tough time.  Ive got friends who are facing death by long slow painful illness, friends who are in the middle of relationship breakdown, bereaved friends, and those whose work situations are driving them crazy.  Its very hard to know how to be a friend in these situations.  There's nothing one can say or do to change much of it.  I hate not being able to help.   

Walking down a beach in the South of Ireland this summer I was helping the boys look for shells when I came across a small black stone.  In the middle of which was a perfectly formed, totally natural, pink heart.   I was astounded.  Coincidence?  No.  A message of love?  Definitely.   And as I picked it up and marvelled at it, God said to me that He is always looking for an opportunity to show us His love.  Every day.  All the time.  If we would only stop and listen and look for the signs. 

To me this song has been a sign in the past couple of weeks.  It keeps coming up so Im guessing God is trying to tell me something.  Hope it speaks to you today too.  

Lord  thank you that when times get rough and friends just cant be found that You are there.  For me and for those I love.  Even when it appears that You arent.  Help us to see your constant messages of love, know your faithful friendship and hear your loving encouragement  every day.