Wow! I have been blessed to have someone wonderful and awesome people enter my life through the years. Some have left for whatever reasons like moving away (on both of our parts at times), death or just drift away because the designated time had come to do so. I'm grateful to have had them for however the time lasted. Others have remained in my life (I believe I can call them "fixtures/lifers") and I'm grateful for them as well. "Lifers" such as Kim (I have 3 that I can remember; 2 are deceased and I miss them dearly), Cece (hi girl!), Lisa (my cousin and one of my best friends), Sonya (hey!), Carla, James and oh the list goes on. I was apprehensive to mention a few by names but the ones I didn't do, well, I know they'll understand and they know I love and appreciate them. These were just the ones who happened to just pop up.
Now, people have been of great support and encouragement to me and I pray that I have been to them as well. This is what being a friend is all about. Being there to listen, really listen and not just offer an unsolicited response, give wise advice when asked, be supportive, be truthful and honest, even when you know it's going to hurt but being a real friend and accepting the truth even though it hurts is part of the territory. I've had that happen where it taught me to be able to look at myself truly and see if there was some truth in what was being said. At times it was. At times it wasn't and I then had to explain, in a much better way, what I was trying to get across or whatever it was at that moment. Case in point, I had a friend a few months ago tell me something that she thought I had said. I hadn't said anything in the contrary to the situation she had addressed; in fact, it was her. During the time of the scenario, when she had actually made the statement, I had asked her what her statement had to do with what I had said to my mom over the telephone at that time. Now, when she was providing constructive criticism, she was really adamant that I had made that statement. During our conversation (which had started to get a little heated) somehow, I think, I was able to jar her memory that it was her statement; not mine. How and why she tricked herself to put it on me is unknown. Wow, now if we were not really great friends, that discussion could have probably put a dent in the friendship if not ended it entirely. It was put right but again, it was a little trying on the nerves. :-)
Being a good friend and having good friends means being able to accept and give constructive criticism without any interference on the relationship.
Being a good friend and having good friends also requires working on the relationship. One can't know the other if time isn't spent getting to know each other. That's how it is with Christ. Jesus desires a relationship with us. That's why we were all created -- for a RELATIONSHIP. He loves us and He wants to display that love. Well, He does anyway in just allowing us to see a new day and then giving blessings throughout the day seen and unseen. For example: getting that special parking spot that's needed because you have to hurry and get inside. Another example: having your life spared from a terrible car accident a few seconds after you've driven through an intersection. GOD wants to be our Friend. In the bible it says He, "...sticks closer than a brother" and to have a friend we must first show ourselves friendly (Prov. 18:24 KJV). GOD even called Abraham His friend (Is 41:8 KJV). Why? Because Abraham spent time with Him. Abraham trusted GOD too. This came from a long, long, established relationship. Look at John 15:15 where Jesus discusses Christians being His friend. The bible has many verses that speaks of being, having and treating friends correctly. The bible also speaks of ways to discern people who are not truly your friend. We've all had our share of phony and hurtful Judases.
Well, this is what was on my heart and mind today. I was thinking of a very dear friend who's more of a sister to me. This week I have been thinking of the kindness of my friends and family so, I wanted to share my love and appreciation for those who have crossed my path. I hope this blog has brought to mind some special people in your life. I would love for you to share your memories about them. It does a heart good to recall the kindness and love of others.
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