On the other hand: the best of friends cannot all be found upon bookshelves

A friend challenged me this week about the meaning of reciprocal friendship and whether I could really call a dearly-loved author, my close friend. So to clarify, while I benefit much from the companions on my bookshelf, by no means do I take lightly the gift of real-life fellowship. (Pr. 27:17).

Mrs. Groveman captures well my sentiments:
An old friend visits, and time passes by. Memories upon memories knit together the tapestry of friendship bonded; love molded. What is it that draws two people together? Is it common likeness, or interests and intellect? Is it gifting, or some mirrored reflection of your very self seen in this new person? Time reveals the hidden motives, and tests the bond of true fellowship. It indeed is a mystery why two people become friends. I am convinced it is the blessing of God. Unity is a gift from above, and it is that unity that draws you together. You enjoy a similar author, or painting, or a reflection on a particular Bible passage. Somehow, you realize that in all the vastness of this universe, there is someone who sees the world from similar eyes. This too, is the blessing of Him who watches over us. It becomes like the spring rain on the mountains; the balm of Gilead; touched by the Spirit of God. A gift given from Him to a most undeserving recipient. It is rare in this life, and there are many who walk through this world without ever experiencing true friendship. The vulnerability that is required in giving of oneself, requires the cross of Jesus Christ. It is only in giving that we truly receive; and it is this vulnerability that opened the way for all men to find freedom from sin. His example of friendship to His redeemed, sets the stage for all true friendship. Only in embodying this example do we find true peace and joy. "We love, because He first loved us" 1 John

And Mr. Lewis writes of this costly gift:
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable...."

transparent, vulnerable, sweet and costly fellowship.
only grace makes this possible...

what a gift.