Pathways Press.com

MEDITATION:

Written by Jeff Hopper, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from his book “Go for the Green.”

It is difficult to exaggerate the relationship between a professional player and his or her caddie. A strong player-caddie relationship can make a significant difference in the player’s career— and the caddie’s too! Solomon, too, knew that synergistic teamwork was a thing to be prized. Sometimes, he suggested, the team can be too big. When we gather companions as though they are commodities, we are often left to take the bad with the good. Not all those we call friends are wise. If their influence is destructive, sometimes we are forced to end the friendship. But there is another level of friendship. This is the friend who can be trusted in any circumstance— a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Such deep friends encourage one another, pray with and for one another, hold one another accountable, and never leave when the going gets tough. Seek such a friend. Be such a friend.

PRAYER:

Written by Janel Breitenstein, a contemporary author.

Thank You for the relationships in our neighborhood: for friendships, marriages, families. You created relationships to be powerful. Lord, strengthen the marriages in my neighborhood. Supply parents with the wisdom, resources, and steadfast love to display You to their kids. Strengthen our friendships with perseverance, self-sacrifice, and honesty. Sustain those who are selflessly caring for others. Increase our generosity and compassion. Amen.