Refrigerator Faces

This morning as I reached for the cream for my coffee, still half asleep, I paused a moment to appreciate the smiling faces and warm expressions of dozens of old friends. Becky and I are greeted most mornings by these familiar faces. No, we don’t live in a commune and, no, we don’t host routine “sleep-overs.” These friends live on our refrigerator door. Sure, they are only two-dimensional images of the real thing and rarely (ok, never) do they use words to communicate their encouragement; but the familiarity of their faces is none-the-less encouraging. These are the folks who have shared many special occasions with our family; children’s birthdays and graduations, an occasional vacation or camping trip, and numerous backyard cookouts. It’s a Boen tradition that when we are blessed with a picture in a Christmas card or get lucky enough to snap a picture on a special occasion, the photo finds its way to the fridge.

Today, I’m especially grateful for these faces and take comfort in knowing that these people share many of my dreams, passions, and values. These friends also face many struggles and challenges familiar to me and my family. These people know me better than anyone else, yet, love and accept me. With these friends there is no pretending, no impressing, no posturing, and no competition. Their friendship has endured the test of time and they have earned lifetime membership on our refrigerator.

I pray that you will pause for a minute today to appreciate the encouraging faces in your life. Those familiar old friends can offer up security and confidence in unsettling times. They can renew your faith in the midst of doubt and trails. If the faces don’t come immediately to mind, maybe you should post them on your refrigerator.