Who would have believed that a stone seat could be as comfortable as a sunbed, and that you slept so long? The sun is still shining, but has moved from the well and the path. You stretch ready to continue, and take another drink of water from the refreshing well. The well and a small rockfall block your onward path. The small rocks appear to get larger as the route ahead begins to rise. The desire to experience more of this adventure vies with the impossible path, or going back to where you left your rucksack. Studying the situation you realise there are too many rocks to clamber over and you would have to climb the larger ones. You have come this far, you look around, if only there were an alternative route. That thought has barely crossed your mind, when you hear rustling in the bushes. You call out, “Is anyone there?” There is no reply.
Before you have time to worry what creature or animal is lurking there, the nose of a donkey pokes out, his eyes giving you a curious look. Relieved, you babble words to it. The donkey’s curiosity changes to interest, and similar to having called a taxi, the donkey having found you, moves forward as if to offer you a lift. Donkeys are often uncared for, but this one is groomed, well fed, and saddled. He nudges you, as if to encourage you to climb on so he can transport you. Their surefootedness on difficult terrain is widely known, but you still hesitate. The way ahead seems fraught with danger, but it would be good to have a friend, even if it is a donkey.
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know …have no knowledge of and understanding.’ Jeremiah 33:3 (Amplified Classic translation AMPC)
What do you expect of a friend?