So, what are the signs of true friendship? Do you think you can experience them like the signs of spring (the change in smell and growing warmth of the air, greening of grass and buds on trees)?
I think you can. Here are some signs that I have witnessed recently.
Sandy age 12, declines Leah s offer to eat ice cream during their time together, because she would rather take a long drive and run errands ( and talk, which remains unsaid but understood)
...In conversation with Sandy, just the mention of Leahs name brings a smile
During an anniversary celebration, a burdened mom, Helen*, admits to her mentor that she wishes they were closer. She expresses regret at not taking action towards it, and her mentor warmly smiles with an invitation for the future
Chuck* and Danny* reunite after three months apart because of trying circumstances for Danny, only to enjoy a great game of catch together as if no time has passed
Teenaged Michelle* shares her feelings about her father for the first time with Kelly* as they wander, window-shopping
We continue to make matches across Long Island, resulting in many budding friendships. It is the Lord that brings the increase (1 Cor. 3:6), so please pray that these friendships will grow, deepen and become fruitful. Please also ask that all of the Area Directors would effectively nurture them as He leads, and the signs of true friendship would abound. Your partnership and prayers make a difference.
It is cold tonight.
I should have brought another blanket. This one is wet.
Jesus! If I could only talk to you for ten minutes. All those years together, all those experiences we had together, and it all ended with three painful looks. Jesus, if only I could explain. Well, I guess there is not much to explainjust excuses. But if I could give them to you, I would feel better.
Tend my lambs.
That look in the garden. You were disappointed, weren’t you? Well, now that you know I had that sword under my cloak you can understand how uncomfortable it was every time I kneeled there in Gethsamane. I guess you know the truth. You seem to know me so well. The truth is that I would just rather sleep than prayI still would.
I do feel just a bit embarrassed about hiding that sword from you, but then I thought I was protecting you when you did not know enough to protect yourself. You know I have been around the block a few times Jesus. You always think the best of people. But I see through them. I even had Judas pegged a long time ago.
Take care of my sheep
I told you I would stand with you even if I had to die, and that is what I was doing when they came for you. I can’t shake your look of disbelief when I cut off that guys ear. The second look. There I stood being foolishly brave. You have to admit the odds of my winning that fight were pretty low. but I drew first blood didn’t I? And you scolded me! I was just being your man; and you scolded me. Do my motives count for anything? Then you picked up his ear and you put it back on. Jesus, that was one of the best things I had ever done, and you undid it. Well, I guess I missed by a mile. If my aim were true, you would have been putting on more than an ear. That would have been a sight, not that the ear wasn’t. Do my motives count for anything Jesus?
Feed my sheep.
Then that look in the courtyard. That was the worst of all. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus I am so sorry. You saw I was willing to die for you. That is the true indication of my love. But something happened in me when you let them take you away. Something happened as they put you on trial, and I saw my King; who was to kick out the Romansstanding humbly like a criminal. Jesus, why did you stand there like that when just one of your lesser miracles could have backed up the crowd and shut their foul mouths? Why Jesus? You were not what I expected. I know you tried to change my understanding several times, but, Jesus, you really were not what I expected. So, I was weak in the moment, and the cock crowed. Instantly, I remembered your words. Jesus, when it crowed, I looked at you only to see you looking knowingly at me. Jesus, why were not you angry? Why did you give me that loving look, that look of understanding? That was so much worse Lord. I wanted the earth to open and swallow me. At that moment, the girl and the crowd disappeared from my mind and you were all I saw, and I was so ashamed. Three times, just like you saidthree times I said I did not even know you. What a coward, what a weak excuse for a man. That third look. I will never forget it Jesus. It will sear my heart every day of my life.
So now I go back to fishingyes fishing I am good at this. You would not know it from tonights catch what catchdid all the fish hear of my cowardice and flee my nets. I can almost hear them talking about me as they mockingly swim around my boat. I guess it would be embarrassing to be caught in my nets even for a fish. I wonder if Jesus. no he would not have cursed my fishing.
What is that on the shore? Who is building a fire at this hour?
Hello there. You don’t have any fish, do you?
Not a thing. We got skunked.
But it is ok. You know the old saying, a bad night of fishing is better than a good day in the market place.
Cast your nets on the right side of the boat, and you will find a catch.
(Who is this guy? We know these watersour catch may not show it tonight but) Oh, well, let us give it a try. It can’t hurt. (I can’t believe I am doing this Fish! Where did all these fish come from? Our nets will break.)
John. What did you say, John? It is the Lord.
Peters mind jumps back to the day Jesus called him to be a fisher of men. He stands in the boat and dives insplashing and running to the shore.
Jesus it is you.
As he got to land, Peters shame returned. His frantic, purposeful run became a shame-filled walk. What do I say? I am not worthy to see him; yet, I want to embrace him. How can I face him when I am so ashamed?
Come, bring some of those fish you have caught here. Come and have breakfast.
He did not look like Jesus, but I know him. Know him, that is a laugh. I claimed not to know him at all, when I betrayed him. I betrayed him; yet, here he is.
Why is he here? I am the one who denied him. I picked up the sword of my own agenda, and refused
to lay down my life with His. Jesus, I don’t know what to say. Here are some fish.
Feed my sheep.
It is so easy to allow our culturally stained image of Jesus to keep us from hearing Him, from reading His Word, and really hearing from Him.
It is so easy to step onto the downward escalator of our desires only to find ourselves a floor away from our Lord.
But Jesus call to Peter is a call to us all. It is a call to set aside shame and our own rules and to follow Him, and His divine rule. Our rules, our thinking say that we have messed up so badly that we are outside his kingdom and of no real use. There is no use turning to Him. He is ashamed of us. We are not worthy. Of course, we are not worthy, but He is, only He is. And that is the point. He seeks us out, as He sought out Peter, armed with forgiveness and love and His own worthiness that by His divine grace He shares with us. But He asks us something. Just as He asked Peter. He asks that we lay down our guilt, our fears, our excuses and our agenda and follow Him, and to tend to His lambs. Jesus asks and says to every one of us.
Do you love me? Feed my sheep.
The ministry of Long Island Youth Mentoring is not inviting you to join a Christian program. We are offering our training and support as you answer our Lords call to take care of His lambs.
This Island is filled with children who are fatherless and need to experience the love and the way of their heavenly father. If He calls you, it will require 2-4 hours each week. God will use that time that is given in loving obedience to love His child.
If you are not called to give time, I ask you to give money which will be used to support those who give time.
Feed my lambs.
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