Circling the Wagons.

It's been a pretty blah few weeks. Made blahier by the fact that they've been the first few weeks of a whole shiny new year, which feels a little wasteful. And even blahier by something called a "polar vortex" which is just weather code for the universe is trying to kill you.
There's been a lot of whining. A lot of moping. 
And there's been a lot of praying. Actually, there's been a little bit of praying mixed in with a lot of bugging the crap out of God, trying to convince Him I know better than He does and He should just listen to me and give. me. what. I. want.
A lot of talking about myself. To anyone who will listen.
And tonight, in the shower, where all the world's problems get talked over, He'd had enough. Yep, I've talked about myself so much for 19 straight days that I bored God. So He gave me a suggestion, that sounded in my head a little something like this: Seriously, Stone, I cannot take it anymore. Please. Stop. Talking. About. This. I  know it's been tough. I know it's confusing. I know it's not what you want (because you won't stop telling Me). But surely you don't need Me to point out to you, in the midst of all this alone you're feeling... how surrounded you are. Right?
I felt humbled. Like that bow-your-head, drop-to-your-knees kind of humbled. Because I realized just how many people have listened.
I got scared, and people held my hand. I got hurt, and the world took notice. I got sad, and the wagons circled.
It is an exceptional feeling, to feel loved. To feel protected and cared for. To see concern in the eyes of people who simply want you to smile and be happy. 
I have been shrouded in friendship.
And I'm grateful.
For every little note, every huge hug, every reminder that, if women this wonderful can love me, I must be at least a little loveable. If girls this funny are determined to make me laugh, I must be capable of humor.
I'm grateful for my friends who are doing everything in their power to make sure I don't succumb to the stereotype. One even gave me this gentle reminder:

And that, readers, is what friends are for.
So here's hoping I have something funny to write about soon. It's time, no? But in the meantime, my dear friends, thank you. This is my love note to you.