2643) When I think of my friends and acquaintances, and think of the different levels of friendship, I see them in concentric circles.

There’s the outside circle. These are people I recognize, and lift a casual hello toward them. The next circle are groups of people whom I know a little better. I know what they do for a living and even see some of their ups and downs.

Family and deeper friendships occupy the next circle. I know more about their situations, joys and struggles, and I share mine.

I reserve the middle circle for just a few people. These are ones with whom I discuss things that are important to me, and I listen to what’s important to them. I allow these people to see my vulnerability, and they often share theirs with me.

I think of these circles when I read, Jeremiah 33:3. Here, the prophet urges us to call on God; invite him to our inner-most circle. Jeremiah then informs us that God will answer and, because we have called out to him, he will reveal to us things he would not have revealed otherwise.

This fact surprises me a little because I’ve never thought about it this way but it makes sense.

People in more intimate circles reveal more about themselves. We can consider this a precious thing to share with and receive from God. Call on him.