THE MORAL OF THE STORY -- Cindy Trane Christeson

“After the friendship of God, a friend’s affection is the greatest

treasure here below.”

-- Unknown

“I feel so blessed, I think I’m going to burst!” I wrote in my journal

earlier in the week. Though perhaps that isn’t the prettiest word

picture, it summed up my feelings quite well. It was my birthday, and I

was totally spoiled by many wonderful celebrations with family and

friends.

I was given special cards, which I’ve now read over and over. I

received affirming messages on the answering machine, and have listened

to them over and over as well. I also had the fun of going on a birthday

bike ride with many of my friends.

I have many friends who like to bike, and we often celebrate birthdays

with bike rides. Our rides always include fun, fellowship and, of course,

food.

While sharing miles and meals, we also catch up with what God is

showing and teaching each of us. We talk honestly, eat heartily and laugh

loudly. I always come away from those times full physically, as well as

emotionally and spiritually.

I came home from my birthday ride and started working on a talk I am

soon to give on friendships. While working on it, I realized that there

are similarities between riding techniques and friendship types.

Often when biking, there is someone ahead of you. That person has

probably ridden the route before, and therefore knows where to go. The

person in front is often a strong rider because he or she has to ride

harder than the others, usually due to hitting a head wind with full

force.

The front person is a buffer, and makes it easier for those following

behind. The leader also has to be the eyes for those who follow, and

needs to faithfully point out any obstacles to avoid.

Ideally in biking, there is also someone beside you. Obviously, that

doesn’t work on all roads or in all conditions, but riding is much more

fun while talking to the person next to you. To ride side by side means

you ride at the same pace and go over the same terrain together.

In a group ride, there is often someone behind you as well, and

therefore it is your responsibility to avoid making any unnecessary

erratic moves and also to point out anything you see that may be a

problem.

Friendships are really very similar, and God has blessed me with those

ahead, those beside and those in stages behind me. I have friends who

are further on in life and stronger in their faith, and I trust them to

point me in the right direction, as well as to caution me about potential

problems I may encounter.

I am also very thankful for many wonderful women who are in similar

ages and stages in life, and I enjoy sharing with and learning from them

as we ride through life together. I also am aware of other great women

who God has placed in my life who are younger than I am, and I pray that

I can somehow guide or encourage them.

I received great gifts on my birthday as well, but what I treasure

most is clearly the gift of friendship.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.