“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;” 

Psalm 77:11  English Standard Version

“…I have called you friends…”

John 15:15 English Standard Version

Along with those tucked-away memories are tucked-away people like Paul.  A man of faith.  Gentle.  Humorous.  Loving.  A friend.  Family.

The Scriptures can resemble Amazon Photos in that way (or perhaps it is the reverse!).  Reading along, a passage or even just one word sparks a memory.  “I will remember the deeds of the Lord.”  And one does remember.  Memories of numerous ways the Lord has protected us, blessed us, loved us, provided for us, given us family and friends–the list goes on and on.

“I have called you friends.”  More than friends, it turns out.  We are sisters and brothers of Christ, and so of one another.  We are children the Heavenly Father.  We are family.  What a remarkable thing this is.  Jesus, God among us, considers us friends.  Not creations; not servants; not lowly life forms; not hopeless; not unworthy.  Friends.  We are friends of God.  God is our friend.

These reflections are sparked by a photograph of my brother-in-law, Paul.  Smiling his impish smile.  Waving to me his friend, his family.  Are there such photograph-induced memories, persons, in  your life?  Are you such a friend and family member for others?  God accompanies us in our life’s journey, as surely as he lived and moved among the paths of life in the person and work of Jesus, his Son, our Savior, our friend, our brother.

Perhaps rummage through some old photographs, or some new ones, today.  Perhaps be determined to be such a photograph in the lives of all who encounter you today.  Friends.  Family.  Jesus binds us together.