Besties

A couple of Sundays ago we were reading The Message version of The Beatitudes (the list of surprising situations in which Jesus said we would be blessed). You can find this in Matthew’s book in the New Testament. It is a lovely version and makes so clear Jesus intentions in these challenging and reassuring words. We were intrigued to find out that he called his disciples/followers “committed climbing companions”! (CCC’s) What a lovely phrase……. these days we would probably call them “besties”…….. but I really love that phrase “committed climbing companions”.

“Committed’ - Oxford Dictionary defines as willing to work hard and give your time and energy to something; believing strongly in something.

“Climbing” - Oxford Dictionary defines as to go up something towards the top

“ Companion” - is one who serves as a friend or partner in something…… literally shares your bread with you.

Oh my goodness, Jesus had chosen his “besties“ knowing what was ahead and these first four “committed climbing companions” Andrew, Peter, James and John in their own way climbed all the way with him and beyond.

Me and Winnie on our way somewhere…………..

Now you are probably wondering why I have put in a photo of me with our little dog Winnie……… if you are a pet owner you will know that they can be your “committed climbing companion” through life and can teach us a lot about what it means to be a “bestie”. We lost our little Winnie last week and are still grieving that loss after 12 years of faithful companionship. So she is very fresh in my thoughts at the moment. Make no mistake Winnie had a mind of her own and a strong will especially when it came to squirrels………….. and ice creams……..

Winnie spots a squirrel while out litter picking

Winnie enjoying an ice cream……. one of many she had during her life!

But basically Winnie was a ‘bestie’, a faithful friend, a ‘committed climbing companion’. Wherever we went, she wanted to be ……. and she loved people……… so she came on all our family holidays, pilgrimages, litter picking outings, gardening at the allotment, prayer walks, birthdays, celebrations, ferry trips (even though she wasn’t keen)….. because she was totally committed……….

What a lesson to us all in a day and age it seems not fashionable to be faithful, to keep our promises ‘even when it hurts’…….. to quote Nicky Gumbel……. the other day in Bible in One Year he was commenting on Psalm 15 which says

“Lord, who may live on your holy mountain?……..

The one who………. keeps an oath even when it hurts

And does not change their mind………”

His comment is so telling to our modern age “keep your word, keep your promises even when it hurts"……. This means doing whatever you have committed to do even when it does not suit you (a particular challenge for our generation, when a simple text message can cancel an arrangement at any moment)”

Ah let’s all aspire to be “committed climbing companions”…….. staying faithful to people, promises and the building of God’s kingdom and establishing its values here on earth.

Revie G January 2024