It was a very impressive gathering with people I greatly admired. I didn’t know any of them especially and that was all right; I could admire from a distance. There was one person, however, that I had longed to meet, thinking that I would really love to have the privilege of just sitting and talking to him. That wouldn’t be an option, obviously. He was surrounded by admirers all evening. I was disappointed, but hadn’t really expected anything else. I was a nobody circulating among the somebodies, awed and insignificant in their presence.

The next day I went to my favorite park. I just needed to collect my thoughts and let the wind blow the cobwebs out of my brain. I needed to be alone. It was a beautiful day and I was thankful for the quietness, the peace, the surrounding beauty and the solitude. I was sitting on a bench in the sunshine with my eyes closed and was surprised when a voice interrupted the silence: “Mind if I join you?” There he was. The man I admired so much and had wanted to talk to last night . . . standing there alone . . . all by himself!

We sat on that bench and talked through the afternoon–just the two of us. What did we talk about? Trifles and troubles. We laughed a lot. He seemed to enjoy being with me and I was loving every second being with him. I never dreamed it could be possible–that there would come a time when I could be alone with him. He surpassed all of my expectations! Understanding. Wise. Loving. And such a good listener!

Well, he isn’t an admired stranger any longer. That afternoon in the park was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Oh, he’s still surrounded by people a lot of the time, but we have this understanding about being together. He’s available any time I want to talk with him. Can you imagine? He gives his time to me! He gives himself to me! You see, we’re very close friends.

Is such a close relationship with the man, Jesus Christ, really available to me? Oh, yes, yes, yes! I must not let what men say determine my relationship with Him. He isn’t “way up there” or unapproachable or to be feared! He loves me! He understands me! He wants to “sit on the bench” and talk to me as much as I want that. All I can do is shake my head in amazement. Incredulous!

Oh, dear, dear blessed Jesus. Your friendship is so precious to me. I have you all to myself! Just you and me together: to talk, to walk, to run, to have fun, to laugh, to cry, to learn, to sort out thoughts that confuse me, to just enjoy You. How can I ever thank You, my dear Friend, for loving me and longing to be with me as I long to be with You?