“The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared to Jesus Christ.”
– Oswald Chambers

It happened over time. 47 years to be exact. He weaved in and out of my life, or so I thought. He lingered, actually, waiting patiently and loyally. He protected me from myself and from others, by speaking to me through the kindness of your hearts. You who loved me when no one else could.

The sister. The coach. The neighbor. The friend. The cat. The counselor. The chaplain.

When no one else was welcome in my heart, He used you to love me. In those brief moments, He surrounded me with gentleness, acceptance, and unconditional love. He touched me through your embrace and guided me with your words.

There was never insistence or shame. There was never guilt or expectation. His reach has always been pure. That is why He used so many of you. Each of you alone could never fully express that which He carries only for me; that which is beyond human understanding.

All those shadowy flickers of kindness, love, gentleness, and acceptance bring me to this moment and the magnitude of His love. My heart bursts open, too small to contain it all. The warm colors spill out onto others – some who I already know, some who I have passed by in the blink of an eye. I am overjoyed to become a shadowy flicker for you…and for them.