"I have called you friends, for everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15)

I've always loved this verse. There is something so open and embracing in what Jesus said. He considered his disciples, and by extension all followers then present and to come, his friends. Because of that perspective, he was eager to share every aspect of his life: joy, sorrow, truth, wisdom, faith and much more.

When times are hard, we instinctively turn to a friend. That friend could be a spouse, another family member, or someone unrelated whom we love and trust. How comforting it is to confide in a caring, trustworthy person, to gain their perspective, or simply to be heard.

I have found, though, that when crosswinds are relentless and intense, it is impossible to fully and openly express to even the closest friend the extent of my discouragement, weariness, or fear. Some will say there are psychological reasons for this inability to reveal our inner struggles: denial, pride, fear of being let down or betrayed. But I think there is a singular reason, one that is at the same time mysterious and yet easily understood.

Each of us, even those who would deny it, has a deeply held need for Divine Companionship. No human being, no matter how close or loving or devoted, can fill that need. If we seek or expect otherwise, we will surely be hurt and disappointed. On the other hand, how liberating it is to abandon that expectation.

Only with our Divine Companion can we experience a level of intimate understanding that will not fail. And in that mutual friendship we will have all that we need to stand strong and to find our way through, when facing life's inevitable crosswinds.