Words

Just thinking about words today. How important they are.
I have this friend who brings sunshine into my life. Every time I'm around her, I think 1) what an incredible person she is and 2) how her positivity just seems to know no limits and comes from this ever-replenishing well. When she's down, it's like the whole world is out of kilter somehow--it just doesn't happen. I count on her to be optimistic and kind and wise.
Today she told me that I'm that for her. That she depends on me to smile and be encouraging and to say something positive or funny, and that I am one of her friends who helps to give her life and keep her well full.
First I thought, "Good grief, I'm exhausted or overwhelmed or just plain confused half my life, and the other half I tend to be oblivious or naive. I can't be an anchor for someone else! :-)"
Then I thought, "Whoa, she didn't ask me before she began observing me."
It's too bad that the world doesn't wait to watch us for those moments when we feel like being 'on.' Or smiley or positive or entertaining. The world's always there, always watching, always needing those things--even when we don't feel them. Especially, maybe, when we don't feel them.
So now I'm thinking about how my own well gets filled, and where my roots need to be. Anchored. For out of the overflow of the heart will come the words.
How do your roots stay anchored? Are you pointing people to the cross even when you're cross? I know I'm not. I need to draw near to that Resevoir tonight (and tomorrow and the next day...)
Wow.