A good representation here, a lone man on a paddleboard 

navigating waters at sunset.

This is not my personal photo, but captures the beauty of Canyon Lake when I enjoyed a boat ride down and back for 90 minutes.

Spending a week in Arizona–outside of the gloomy gray snowy rainy days that Michigan offers was a welcome relief recently. Boarding a plane in Detroit wearing leggings, shoes, and a warm sweater soon gave way to what Phoenix in March has to offer…sunshine, warm breezes, temperatures that don’t require being bundled under heavy coats and blankets. And! The welcome wearing of flip flops with freshly manicured toes peeking through comfortable shoes the entire week!

Traveling to new or familiar places offers me two of my favorite activities–1) meeting and talking to new people and 2) seeing the beauty of God’s Creation. Both never cause me to feel empty or bored as I venture out to enjoy “down” time.

When it comes to people I don’t know my kids will tell you I “interview”…admittedly, I do. I ask questions. I’m curious. I like filling the void of quiet with conversations. I think my ability to ask and chat makes for a friendlier community and well, world. I learned a long time ago to acknowledge people, especially those who are in a role serving me…as examples…when I approached the kiosk in the airport for my boarding pass, a nice woman greeted me and I returned a cheery “good evening”...I told her I was headed directly to security and she let me know I didn’t need to print my boarding pass. Her name was Holly and I told her “what a pretty name” and she grinned, responding “I like your necklace.”

After Holly I met up with the young man directing travelers through the ropes guiding us to security. Over and over I heard him say “please keep moving. Have your boarding pass and identification ready please.” When I got in front of him I said, “You’d be a rich man if you had $5 for every time you said that!” He laughed, realizing he’d never thought of that equation …”what would you do if you suddenly became rich?” I inquired.

“Oh, I’d quit this job, buy a big boat, take you with me and sail around the world.”

“Goodness…”I don’t think my husband would like that!”

“He can come with us! I’m not that kind of guy….”

He’s young. I really hope he gets that boat someday. And a pretty young woman his age to enjoy waves and sunsets.

Getting through security was a breeze….walking and watching a young couple with a toddler son go through the baggage scanning…the body scan…explaining to him that his “teddy bear” needed to have its picture taken and he could have it back real soon. The little boy’s name was Boston….when all of us got to a chair to put our shoes back on I remarked on dad’s Boston Red Sox hat…the little boy’s name…and advised them that my son in law was a diehard Red Sox fan and named his dog Fenway. Not able to resist temptation, I suggested that a future child could be named Fenway…dad laughed…mom smirked at me with a polite smile but wrinkled face that screamed “don’t give him any ideas’ ‘….beautiful family. Wonder if they’ll discuss my suggestion any time in their future?

Along with quaint conversations is my love for lessons that come through “word pictures”. The man on the above paddle board represents a powerful lesson in strategy for me and came to me after returning back home. My friend Cathy and I enjoyed a boat ride on Canyon Lake and during the return trip we encountered two people on their paddleboards. In the middle of the lake, they paddled with strength and agility making their way back to the boat launch. One of them actually came quite close to our boat as we created a small wake beside and behind our vessel. That’s when I got a good glimpse of the paddle board…its shape, much like a surfboard, a strong cord attached to the paddler’s ankle in case they became disconnected from one another, the lone paddle being dipped and pulling the water back as the athlete glided on the water’s surface. I could see that this sport was not for the timid or weak beginner…the launch was a good way’s off in the distance, strength and endurance was necessary getting back to the safety of shore.

Realizing the effort that goes into the sport of paddleboarding made me think of my own struggles…my recovery working through food addiction…codependency…fear…anger…to succeed I need people to come alongside me. I need the right equipment and the training that comes with the effort. I need practice using my equipment and must do so with diligence after starting slowly and building up to steady as I go….my anchor that keeps me safe and connected to my “board” is Christ…if I fall or get off track He pulls me back…my paddle is the Word of God…scripture is alive, it speaks and is useful for every challenge that tries to force its energy on a weak mind or body….I have people in my life that encourage me or hold me accountable for my actions…the boat launch is God Himself…He is strong, steady, a rock waiting for me to land on, cling to, walk away from troublesome waters and resume my journey on solid ground. Every adventure on my paddleboard–smooth waters or not–is time with God right beside me every stroke of the journey. Difficulties may produce a “wake” that tosses my paddleboard to and fro, but soon God’s calming presence makes the ripples settle down and become part of the water’s looking glass mirror….

People and paddleboards…both offer me a lot of curious and fun opportunities to chit chat my way through a day…learn incredible simple life lessons from the simplicity and beauty of God’s creation and those brave enough to turn a board into the adventure of a lifetime!

CANCELLATIONS….

Ten minutes ago I sat down and tried to write about our current buzzword often heard in news reports whether it be television or radio….”cancel culture” or being “woke”. I had several paragraphs written and there was no magic, no aha moments inside the sentences, what I had written had no spark, no direction, was landing dull and very boring to be quite honest. So, thankfully keyboards come equipped with a “delete” key and I used it. I “canceled” my writing….it was a decision that came after reading through my work several times. I couldn’t convince myself that my work was worth redeeming or changing in the hope that all it was missing could be salvaged. I hit delete.

I wish I could tell you exactly what’s rolling around inside my head today–most days actually–when I have to hear about another person or event offending someone in our nation’s society. I don’t have that kind of time; it’s too exhausting to even think I could do justice to my dismay. Fortunately, I’m not allowing my discouragement to rob me of joy, hope, and peace…..

Recently, I attended the annual IF: Gathering, a conference for Christian women. One of the speakers, Jada Edwards, who was teaching from Psalm 23 “He leads me in paths of righteousness” say “Jesus started cancel culture”. I noted the catchy phrase and bracketed it in my notes. Everything inside me resonated with that declaration from her.

Travel with me to a memory from 2019. We visited Israel in March that year and one of the sites that impacted me the most was Caesera Phillipi. This is the site where many gods were worshiped and Jesus had a conversation with Peter where He asked “Who do say that I am?” Peter responded with “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”.

I think Jesus and Peter–together–canceled false religions at that very moment. Culture and history as it was playing about some 2,000 years ago exploded with truth and paved the way for God to carry forth His plans of salvation for mankind. Peter’s declaration of defining “who” Jesus was became the cornerstone of the Christian faith, so noted in Matthew 16:18 “Jesus said to Simon (Peter), I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it”. 

Jesus met many challenges during His earthly ministry. He exposed motives *He sought peace *He applied scripture *He prayed *He remained silent *He loved

Those are quite worthy attributes to strive for in my humble opinion. How do His challenges meld with my musings today about “cancel culture”? 

I don’t have to accept lies from those in our society seeking to pave paths of unrighteousness.

I can remain in peace while applying scripture in conversations where His truth is needed. I can DO this prayerfully…and sometimes remain silent…until I am asked a direct question that deserves a truthful answer.

 I can love….without compromising or canceling  ALL that I know is truth….the truth of God, scriptures, and His plan for all of us living inside a culture that continues to create false gods and lies—-elevating them above God Himself.

This photo is a good representation of the feeder that stands next to our deck. Keeping seed filled to the brim is a weekly chore as our visitors have grown accustomed to dining to their heart’s content. We get a small variety of birds that perch on the cylinder….sparrows, wrens, chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers, , blue jays,  juncos….I’m always intrigued by their antics as they jockey for position…flying to and fro from the feeder to surrounding trees in our yard and the neighbor’s, too, along the property line. They come on days of extreme cold as well as milder mornings bathed in sunshine or rain. Hungry appetites and empty bellies need filling.

So it is with me, too. When I wake each morning I have a longing in my spirit to grab my first mug of hot coffee, make my way to a favorite comfortable chair and open God’s Word to begin “dining”–or as I prefer to say–”feasting” on a portion of scripture to fill me and equip me for the day ahead. I never lack for a place to begin reading….using a devotional draws me to verses that most often “fit” with concerns lingering in my mind and heart. Faithfully, God always seems to “fill” my spiritual plate with exactly what I need…never floundering or hovering in a flurry of emotions trying to navigate my “spot” with Him. 

Watching the birds that visit our feeder offers me so many lessons. This past week as I caught glimpses of their activity, jockeying for position to feed, almost competing for a place on one of the several perches, I saw little creatures who have a common goal–get to the seed!  Also, I didn’t see any conflict or fighting. When a perch became available “someone” soon took a seat. Others, less fortunate to be on a perch, happily ate from the seed that had dropped to the ground. In their own way, each small bird found a way to eat and be satisfied.

Part of joy as a Christ follower is being part of a community that is welcoming and supportive through all of life’s challenges. I’m happy to be in such a body of people–my church family–especially men and women who are participating in daily devotionals offered through an app we have downloaded to our phones. The devotional is my own “feeder” and the numerous authors of a broad range of topics have provided endless opportunities for reading, studying, and reflecting on scripture. Like the various birds in our yard, my friends who are participating with me in these daily readings are a beautiful potpourri of personalities….each has his or her perspective on scripture and willingness to share honestly from their hearts how God speaks and inspires them….

I love how the simplicity and order in our little friends at our feeder does more than provide entertainment for me…indeed, they offer me deeper appreciation and understanding of God’s creation…giving me a glimpse of how “things” can and should work….when I do my part: show up…expect….be diligent and hungry….feast at the table He has prepared for me….dine with others who don’t have to jockey position at His table….because at HIS table there is ample room.

And, no one has to eat crumbs from the floor….

Strange question you may ask? Who’s your 2 am friend? Or you might say it this way–who are your friends that you absolutely know you could call at 2 am if something bad just happened to you….

Humans weren’t created to be alone or isolated. There’s no better proof of this truth than what we read in Genesis 2: 18 “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Along comes Adam’s mate, Eve, in all her beauty and uniqueness as a female to be his companion, spouse, lover, and mother to his children. Together, they became quite the team.

The “second” definition of “community” is a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals (the sense of community that organized religion can provide) Today I want to expand my thoughts about community and its connection to the concept of having a 2 am friend…or more…

I am fortunate to have more than one 2 am friend. I actually have five such people in my life–all women by the way–and with the wonderful world of text messaging we can interrupt each other’s day with the simplicity of sending out one group  message. We share funny things that have happened in our families. We ask for prayer on a broad range of topics. We are open and honest–most of the time–on a variety of subjects that can cause many people to pull away or feel uncomfortable. We’ve known each other for over 30 years now–give or take a few–and affectionately refer to ourselves as “My Tribe”…one of our dear members calls us her “Warring Friends”….I usually speak of these women as “my tribe”….our daughter calls them “your praying mommas”….

I haven’t written a lot yet about my husband’s heart attack he suffered on January 31. A lot happened that day to prove how much a community of like minded friends….a “tribe” of 2 am friends were important to have in my life. I don’t believe it was ANY coincidence that on that Tuesday our group had been in a text thread for most of the day. Little did I know that at 4 pm I would need them in a way my mind wasn’t prepared for as I drove my husband to the nearest emergency room. Moving past the scene of him being put in a bed, numerous wires hooked up to his chest….hearing as though I was watching a movie “Mr. Kretchman , you’ve had a heart attack”…..”we are going to…..”  That’s when my mind literally went blank but also filled my thoughts with all kinds of questions at once, if that’s even possible.

I will never forget my own image I created around 5 pm. The ambulance team was on their way to another hospital for  Jim’s surgery and I found myself standing alone in the parking lot, holding two bags with his clothes and shoes. Who do I call first? My kids…..now what do I do? I messaged my tribe what had taken place and immediately they began responding “what can we do!?”

Within half an hour or so, Rick and Lisa arrived to drive me south to Trinity Health near Ann Arbor. With them was Deb, who drove my car to her home for safekeeping. The beauty of their helping me in my crisis was their selfless gift of taking care of me and later, loving on our children….going ahead of me (thank you Lisa the Bold!) to ask questions, get me to where I needed to be in a large hospital…my mind racing while still feeling paralyzed.

A recent message by one of our pastors highlighted my topic today…who are your 2 am friends? Our 7 year old granddaughter was with us in service that morning and even at her age she comprehended the idea as she leaned into me and whispered “Addie”….I, too, didn’t have to hesitate long answering the question. Who are my 2 am friends? Easy! Lisa, Cheryl, Deb, Robin, Janet.

Honestly, our “tribe” doesn’t sit around hoping or expecting tough stuff to come along that warrants initiating a group text calling out for help or prayer. We much prefer silly jokes, cute memes, or sharing a link from recipes to sermons…no, we all seek a peaceful blessed life as each one of us walks our journey God has for us. But! We know there is no hesitation to step into action when necessary, even when it means sacrificing time, material possessions, and changing up agendas. For that–and SO much more–I am blessed. I am grateful. I feel assurance that I am NOT alone in this journey we call “doing life together”.

I’m very grateful that God did not create us humans to be alone. I’m happy for modern technology that makes it possible to “call out” to my 2 am friends with one message through a group chat…that God connects me in ways unimaginable for times that are infathmobile. 

Who are your 2 am friends?