Although it is only January I am going away with my friends, for a few days, to Lindisfarne. We have been there a couple of times before. It is one of our favourite places. One of the things I am planning is to walk across the Pilgrim Way preferably barefoot, but I might change my mind on that if there is snow on the ground! I can’t remember exactly how many years we have holidayed together, but it must be twenty. Sometimes we go to cities, other times to quiet places and sometimes to retreat houses. Like all groups of friends, we meet up to discuss where we fancy going and when. The planning is nearly as much fun as the holiday. We have age differences and variances in health and fitness but that has never caused us any problems. We are friends and nothing else matters. We laugh and chatter, drink wine and eat chocolates. We also have deep and meaningful discussions, where we don’t always agree but that doesn’t dent our friendship. I know that my friends will support me on my barefoot walk if I need it. I can’t imagine how I would function without this group of friends. They have supported me in many ways over the years often in quiet unobtrusive ways. They all have different gifts and skills but together they are a dynamic entity. Friendship is probably the basis of all good things in our lives. Another great friend I have is Jesus. He also supports me all the time even when I don’t realise I need support. He works quietly in the background not drawing attention to himself. Jesus’ friends were an important part of his life. He had picnics on the beach after they had been fishing, they travelled together and ate and drank together every day. His death must have left a huge hole in their lives. We all need a good group of friends to walk with us through our lives both at the wonderful times and the dark times. I think that to add Jesus to that group would only be an benefit.

This month’s book club read is Life of Pi by Yann Martel

God Bless

Maureen Kendall