This painting represents a wrapped gift. It is full of symbolism for you to search out and reflect on, so I'll leave that to each viewer. But here is food for thought. Not everyone we meet can be called a true friend. Along life’s journey, I have met some folks that were what I call “soul sandpaper” to put it nicely. You know those people that just kind of rub you the wrong way--but God still uses the encounter for His ultimate good--to knock off a few rough and jagged edges? The refining process is sometimes painful, but I try to keep in mind that I may be the “grit” in someone else’s life. I find that it’s best to extend mercy as much as possible because I never know when I will need to be the recipient!

But still, there are a few shining favorites out there… the ones who just get you-- and you get them, too! Those are the people who can tell you what’s going on in their lives and you find yourself nodding in complete understanding. True friends serve as a life mirror. In them, sometimes I see who I am. Sometimes I remember who I was. Sometimes I ponder what I will become. And all the while, it’s so nice to know that God can use me to meet their needs as well. He sends each of us the exact people we need – at the exact time we need them – for the exact support or challenge we require. Now that is a gift worth celebrating!