AFFINITY

I came across this poem when I was sorting through my Aunt's pictures and papers at the weekend:

Friendships do not come by chance

Upon the loom of circumstance.

Fate weaves the intricate design

and threads of other lives entwine,

to make a pattern with our own

We were not meant to walk alone.

How strange it is when pathways lead,

To where we meet a friend in need.

It seems that it was meant to be

We can't explain affinity

or understand the mystery

of minds that work in harmony.

When round some bend in life we turn

and kindred spirits we discern,.

We feel it can't be merely chance

This happy stroke of providence

For surely it is God who sends

the happiness we find in friends.

The hymn I thought of this morning to start the day was: What a Friend we have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged.

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden.

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Saviour still our refuge.

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
~Take it to the Lord in prayer.

In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Joseph Medlicott Scriven. (Methodist Hymn Book)

I expect many of you will think the words old fashioned now i.e. Thee and Thou. I have taken inspiration from these words many times during my life. I hope they may be of help and comfort to you. Enjoy your day.