Day 2 - Anum Cara

This is day two of our Thanksgiving experiment ... it started early with an opportunity to share at Living Water International. The president, Jerry Wiles, is a friend and an incredible man. Then I had lunch with another friend, Jeff Waldo, who is a futurist and strategic planner with an I.Q. and E.Q. to change the world. Two encounters with friends made me stop and think about friendship. And then I got back to the office and had some time to S.O.A.P. up in Ephesians 5:22-33, I was reminded of my best friend.

Anum cara means "soul friend" in the Celtic tradition. I have an anum cara, her name is Gail. In this season of thanksgiving, I give thanks for a wife and best friend. I'm sitting here reflecting upon all that enriches my life and gives it meaning and apart from my God, my dearest friend, companion and sojourner is my wife, Gail. For many who may not know me well or my love for my anum cara, you should know that we have been married almost 23 years (22 years this last August):-) and she is more beautiful to me that ever. She has brought three precious children into the world and together we have learned how to be parents, friends, lovers, partners on the journey.

But, I have not always honored her and loved her as Christ would have me and that is to my shame. Back on October 1oth I wrote in my blog, "Like most couples, Gail and I are very different when it comes to money. She's stingy and I'm generous, she's frugal and I'm free living, she's budget- focused and I'm into blessing others, she's reading this and I'm in trouble. :-)" Two weeks later a dear friend wrote me these words, "Friend, I love you and am concerned about some recent words that you have shared about Gail to the church. Words like - she’s a Martha, she keeps me in line or she’s financially tight. I recognize that you shared those with no malice, but do be careful with comments about your precious wife. They could undermine your great marriage." My heart sank, to think that I might say or do anything to hurt my precious anum cara cut me to the core. This last Friday, I sat with my wife and confessed my insensitivity and careless words, and asked her forgiveness, through tears we recognized on easy it is hurt those you love. For friends on the journey who speak truth in love, I am thankful! For friends who inspire me and stretch me, I am thankful! But most of all, for my anum cara, my Gail, to God I say thank you for the blessing of a soul friend.