Friends

Dutches

Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

I spent part of New Year’s Eve day paddling on the Brule River. I had to talk myself into going as the morning started out cold and the temperature kept dropping. I had just read a funny article about winter kayaking and the man said that the requirement was to add the air temperature, the water temp and your IQ and they had to total at least 100. I did the math air temp 10, water temp around 32 that would leave me needing an IQ of at least 60. The average IQ in the U.S. is 98 so I figured I was safe to go. If you were to ask my mother she would tell you that just the fact I was going on the river showed my IQ falls way below my mark of 60. I went with the national average and not with my mothers view.

After a not so warm bike ride up to my kayak I was rewarded with the astounding beauty of the river. The ice was gaining ground on the river and after about 30 minutes I was stopped by the ice. I dragged my kayak onto the shore and was portaging around the ice when a dog appeared out of the woods and begin barking at me. We said our hello’s and she decided I was okay. After my brief portage I was again paddling on open water and my new friend was running along the bank following me. A short time later I again ran into ice and I was sitting there considering my options when my new friend came running back to see what was holding me up. She barked at me as if to say don’t just sit there we have places to go. She walked with me until I reached open water. We repeated this scene a few more times, me stopping for another portage and her barking, come on lets get going. I found myself really enjoying her company. Once we reached the landing she stood there expecting a ride home. I opened the door to my truck and she jumped in. I had a good idea who’s dog she was and I returned her to her home. Virgil was happy to have her (Dutchess) back and thanked me.

What is my purpose in writing about Dutchess. It is my prayer that in this New Year I can be that kind of friend. To accept people exactly as they are and be content and happy to be with them. To join them on their journeys. To check back and encourage them when they run into the unexpected. To offer words that just say you are not alone.

I pray that in this new year God brings into your life those kinds of friends.