My daughters and I watched the Anne of Green Gables movies. We read the books too, and were witnesses as Anne navigated an achingly lonely childhood, which melted away in the sunshine of being adopted. The red headed girl won the hearts of almost everyone in Avonlea. Not Josie Pye. But even the prickly spinster Aunt Jo succumbed to Anne's charms.
Aunt Jo had no friends. Just people who tolerated her. But Anne found ways to soften the old woman. Jo thanked her for making it easy. Most people were much more difficult to enjoy, and Josephine was not inclined to put forth the effort.
On occasion the image of the two having tea comes to mind. In those times when I bristle over an acquaintance that does not proceed easily, am I like Jo, or Anne? Am I holding back, waiting for the other person to do my work for me?
What honor is there in only befriending the people who meet me ninety- ten? Me being the ten. The variety of ways God invents for me to disqualify potential friends out of hand keeps me guessing.
If I aspire to be like Anne, I can uncover kindred spirits in unexpected places. Which is a good reason to heat up the kettle.
