I once owned a 1979 Fiat.  It completely lived up to its reputation as needing repairs often. In this case, I was lucky it did. I took it to a Fiat mechanic who had hired a young assistant.  The mechanic gave my car to his assistant while I waited.  I was reading something about the Gospel and had an interesting thought.  Wanting to share my thoughts I walked to where he (the assistant) was working on my car.  Finding two feet sticking out from under my car, I shared my idea with this young mechanic. Without stopping he quoted some biblical verses which supported my thought and we launched into a delightful biblical discussion. We were talking for about 15 minutes before I saw his face.

        He was a missionary from The Way International; a religion designed for bikers. (The founder was a biker.)  He invited me to visit his religion and of course I went.  They were doing some things which really woke me up about God.  They taught that we should think about God as being there with us and for us always.  He’s your best friend.  For example when something delightful happens and you want to share it with someone, share it with God.  Speak to him either aloud or silently in your mind and share your experience with Him.

        When you’re hurt let God be the first to know.  Talk to him and tell Him how badly it hurts.  Always ask Him for healing. They were big believers in Gods intervention for healing.  I heard one story which was a good example of their approach.  One member and his family went into the mountains on an outing.  While they were hiking their son got into an accident and broke his arm.  They immediately prayed about it and submitted it to the Lord along with all their gratitude for previous blessings. Their son was healed and they thanked God for the healing and went on with their outing praising God.  (I wasn’t there. I can’t personally vouch for the story.  But the point is still good.)

        I was raised to be very faithful to my religion but we just didn’t think that way. I’m sure there are LDS who do, but as fine as they were, my parents didn’t turn to God about everything and make Him our close personal friend. We were taught to be independent and solve our own problems. God was considered a great resource, but I was never taught to think of Him as a personal friend. We had daily family prayer and turned to the Lord in emergencies.  But these people were talking to and about God all the time.  They also exercised the gifts of the Spirit in a careful and serious manner. They seemed really strange to me, but in a good way. 

        So I decided to try doing things the way they taught.  When something humorous happened I tried to think of the Lord first and share it with him.  I didn’t stop to kneel or anything.  I just approached Him in my mind with whatever was going on.  I’d like to claim that there were miracles and a great change in my spiritual life.  But the truth is what happened was a general feeling that this was a better attitude. 

God should be our best friend.  Just after my LDS mission, I had been very stressed by family difficulties.  I had been going to the Lord constantly.  I had felt a presence sustaining me through the worst of those times.  During those dark months I had dreams, visions, and the occasional voice of an angel friend to guide and direct me. A week or so after I left home and started in school I no longer felt that presence.  I prayed and was assured that it had not left but that the help I had required was gone.  It would always be there for me.

Years later now, seeing how others had developed that same closeness but without all the stress I had experienced; I wanted to try and regain that comforting presence but without all the pain. I tried meditation and seeking humility.  I began to mentally seek the Lord out.  Its not easy trying to stay focused on the spiritual side while there are so many worldly things going on.  Early morning meditation helped and praying for those who hurt me also helped.  The dreams and the mental voice came back and taught me to sacrifice a little more.  I did and so beautiful experiences resulted.

Wondering what to compare this relationship to brings to mind a plant.  It starts small; perhaps only a seed.  But if we give it water and sunshine this relationship will grow over months and years into something beautiful and strong.  Make God the closest friend you have.  In the beginning the conversation may seem very one sided. But include some questions followed by some listening time and thoughts and ideas will come in answer.  Allow possibilities that may seem painful at first. It’s OK to cringe at some of the ideas given.  But if they are from God, they will lead to peace.