"Stuck in the Middle With You!"

"Clowns to the left,
Jokers to the right,
Here I am
Stuck in the middle with you!"

Interesting how the terms "Middle Ages" and "Dark Ages" are sometimes used interchangeably. It is also interesting how the most difficult years of childhood are called the "middle school years". Seems like all things associated with the middle can become fraught with disillusion.

You absolutely need friends to be stuck in the middle with.

Because in the middle, the very ones you thought would be there, won't be. The very ones you thought you could trust, will prove untrustworthy. Sometimes the ones you least expect become the clowns to the left, and the jokers to the right. It becomes important to be stuck in the middle with a few good friends.

The ones who send you flowers. Who slip cards in the mail. Who make sure you get a massage to ease the stress. Who lay hands on you and pray. Who write their prayers down, along with an encouraging word from the Lord. Who email you, to check up on how you are doing. Who are there if you need them, but understand if you aren't feeling very social. Who take you to funny movies. Who secretly imagine using Shakespearean insults on those who have mistreated you. And they tell you so, with a few dramatic monologues for your entertainment.

And you laugh until you can't breathe.

Those sorts of friends. You need them in the middle. You need the body of Christ.