My friend is hurting, and I have never before felt so helpless. I fell like my hands are tied behind my back and there’s nothing I can do. I’m a fixer and I’m a talker, by nature. I have to process things verbally, so, naturally, when someone I love is struggling, I try to help by talking, getting them to talk. Usually this works, but not this time. Often this friend will talk thing out with me, but right now they’re in a place where they need to be alone, I guess, and figure things out for themselves, so I’ve been told, 2nd or 3rd hand. It hurts, but if that’s what they need, then that’s what they need. But it kills me inside. It hurts me that I can’t run and fix everything for them, that I can’t hug them cry with them and make everything better. It rips me apart that they have to go through this, alone. I guess we all have to walk though the desert alone at some time. It’s just hard, for them and for those who can’t help them. So I will remain, right where I am, so they know where to find me. I will strive to be waiting for them on the other side of the desert to greet them and rejoice with them when they come out of it. I will stay on my knees before my holy God and Father, constantly reminding him of my friend.

A song by Matthew West comes to mind:

You Know Where To Find Me

I saw your sky fall down today
Suddenly turn from blue to gray
‘Til one by one the raindrops
Turned to tears upon your face
Wish there was something I could do
Wish I could ease the pain for you
But I’ve never felt so helpless

It’s like you’re drowning right in front of me
And I’m reaching out but you can’t see
There’s something holding on to you so tight
So I guess this is all I’ll say to you tonight

If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I will be waiting where I’ve always been
If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I have never left you
I’m where I’ve always been
Right by your side
Right by your side

If the whole wide world is on your back
If the strength you need is the strength you lack
If you’re in a crowd but all alone
If you can’t stay here but you can’t go home
If you can’t answer all the why’s
‘Cause you’re too tired to reach that high
I want you to remember

If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I will be waiting where I’ve always been
If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I have never left you
I’m where I’ve always been
Right by your side
Right by your side

Jeremiah 29:11-14

That’s right, we have a cute little 2 month old in our home now! All it does right now is cry, but I’m told that’s normal. Strange, it doesn’t eat much, though, and I’m not even sure where it is right now. I think it may be under the couch, or behind the bookshelves. We’re not sure yet if it’s a boy or a girl… they say in the next month we’ll know for sure. Right now I’m looking for some cool names. My Latvian friends are helping with suggestions, so I thought I’d get some English thoughts as well… and ideas for a name for our new little one?

PS You didn’t think we had a baby, did you?

If DOGS trained people, we’d learn stuff like:

* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
* Take naps and stretch before rising.
* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Be loyal.
* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.