How can I not be thankful?
She will not let me quit
Every time a semblance of doubt is weighed in the balance
Irrational thoughts are placed under scrutiny
My tears are deemed as water for the sorrows placed in the dirt
She hears me and stays with me
Hugs me with her words
Sings songs of Zion to remind me I am not alone
Being a shoulder to shoulder to lean on
When I cannot simply be myself
A friend indeed is here
That makes me full of cheer

How can I not be grateful?
There are days when I can feel the worst parts of me
Then he calls
Wrapping me in prayer
Willingly bringing my name and concerns to His mercy seat
I hear his voice of reason
Telling me what I need to hear
Not necessarily what I want
I could not dare give into fear
The advice of wisdom comes from him because he spent time with Him
Oh, this brings me cheer
A friend of mine is here

How can I not feel overjoyed?
Their presence is not missed
Constancy fresh as dews on grass each
It’s as God chose them for me
They choose to love me well
Every milestone and heartache
Every frustrating moment is met with better days
Because they remain
Now I am steady
Ready to take on troubled mountains that shake with quakes
Ready to face each challenge with a smile

I wish to share in their joys and sorrows too
Giving of myself every day, as they do
Hearing their pleas
My knees will hit ground
Earnestly
Asking God for a moment of peace for them
Make them brand new
And I wish to stand on the sidelines
Applause as they stand in favour and achievement
Allow joy to fill my heart
Beaming with pride
Bright
Like seeing stars on a dark night

How can I not be indebted?
For all they have given
Truly, I am blessed
In all I have taken
There are no regrets
Community is why I still have a reason
My hands will be empty
Because I have offered up myself to simply be
A friend who is near
A friend who brings cheer

^{Photo by Anna Might (IG:@annamighttakepics)}